Dear Girlfriends -

Simply today we are all set for cookouts, BBQs and soirees but mostly I am wondering who is celebrating their independent style in red, white or blue today?

Here are a few adorable dresses for the celebration;

This striped jersey maxi dress features gathered elastic banding at the top hem and at the empire waist. Knot detail and ruching at bust. Unfinished bottom hem. Lined at bodice. Halter straps can be tied behind the neck or worn as a bow at the bust.

Santa Monica Long Dress

This print silk-jersey dress features a pleated shawl collar at the deep V neck and an attached tie at the pleated waist. Hidden front zip and bias back seams. Long kimono sleeves.

Kimono Dress

Girlfriends, there are so many stylish options with red, white or blue inspired colors.  Let’s look at some more!

A reissued vintage print with a modern fit, this print silk-jersey maxi wrap dress features contrast-print trim. Self-belt waist tie. 1.25″ straps cross at back.

A refreshing, elegant take on the wrap dress, this striped silk-chiffon wrap dress features pleating and a tie closure at the waist. Draping at skirt. Asymmetrical front hem. Sleeveless. Georgette lining.

Samuel Dress

DVF Samson Long Dress

This silk-chiffon dress features pleating at the V neck and at the deep scoop back. Peek-a-boo lining at draped arm openings and bias seams at front. Asymmetrical hem. Spaghetti straps cross at back. Silk-chiffon lining.

Low Back Mini Dress

Mini Water Dress

This silk-chiffon dress features embroidered ladder-lace cutouts. Drawstring and gathered elastic banding at scoop neck and keyhole at bust. Short flutter sleeves. Washed-silk slip-dress lining.  And this scoop-neck, racer-back jersey dress features voile trim and voile banding at the asymmetrical flounce hem. 4-button closure and loop detail at bust. 1.5″ straps.

Racer Back Layer Dress

Red, white or blue – you got it right?

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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If you’re on the East Coast, though today has a overcast, this week the sun appeared in the early mornings.  Are you ready for some …. SUN?

My best advice to you is to look for ultra-refined sunglasses, look for an oversized pair of sunglasses, look for a sophisticated yet distinctive pair of sunglasses, look for vintage glamour with a certain sophistication!  I’ve also noticed that “rocker chic” sunglasses are in this Spring, and the swagger is back to the forefront this Spring.  When picking out a pair you may want to think vintage-inspired shapes punctuated by sharp-edged metals!

Leyla Sunglasses

Oversized Sunglasses

Oversized translucent square frames with tapered bands and graduated lens tint.  Fabulously chic oversized sunglasses featuring translucent frames, animal print temples, and a gradated lens tint.  Classic style with a hint of glamour: you’ll love these sunglasses by Armani Exchange.

Rhinestone Zebra Sunglasses

Rhinestone Skull Sunglasses

The ladies black sunglasses is a great gift to yourself or your friends. Rhinestone sunglasses with man-made diamond in the black frame; suitable for city, sports, night club and many other activities.  Large plastic frame featuring screen print on arms including flowers and skulls with rhinestone details.

Gretta Sunglasses

Rhinestone Sunglasses

Fun in the sun. You’ll love the look and feel of these women’s sunglasses.  Featuring rhinestone accents offer dazzling style, rectangle frames provide timeless appeal and plastic construction ensures long-lasting wear.  Go glam in these rhinestone zebra sunglasses featuring plastic frames, solid contrast sides with zebra print, rhinestone accents.

Chelsea Sunglasses

Sofaine Sunglasses

Though the weather is unpredictable, the sun will make an appearance soon and it’ll stay for awhile (smile)!  I was thinking of you all to be sure my chic fashionistas have their glam sunglasses in tow! Did you put them in your bag? Are they in your car? In your clutch?

Pick up your sunglasses today, the sun awaits.

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends:

Go for black & gold accessories and no not because my hometown New Orleans Saints won their first Super Bowl ever … go for black and gold because gilded accents keep your fall/winter neutrals from fading into the background of fashion.

Let’s look at some winning combinations of black and gold accessories ….  use these styles as options for your look and shop around for bargains and frugalista finds today and this weekend!

These distressed suede sandals feature antiqued studs. 2 buckled straps at side. 1.5″ leather-covered platform and 4.75″ leather-covered wedge heel.

Ash Lovely Suede Wedge Sandals

Luxury with a bohemian flair, this suede handbag features black and gold chain and suede fringe at the front and a logo plate at the back. Seam detail at top. Gold hardware. Studs at double handles and magnetic-snap closure at main compartment. Lined interior features zip and 2 patch pockets.

Rich Hippie Tote

This 24k gold-plated ring features snake-embossed leather detail at the domed disc. 1.25″ wide.

Stamped Python Ring

This leather bracelet features gold-plated cone studs. Ring-and-toggle clasp. 1.5″ wide. 7.25″ long.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Cuff

This pebbled leather handbag features an oversized logo medallion at the front flap. Zip pocket under flap. Gold hardware. Detachable resin chain strap.

Bijou Clutch

These electroplated 22k gold earrings feature Swarovski crystals and resin cabochons at the teardrop details. Post closure. 2.75″ long.

Kenneth Lane Black Cabochon Earrings

This 4-strand necklace features metallic wooden beads. Contrast grosgrain tie closure. 28″ long.

Gold Wood Bead Necklace

Girlfriends, remember to go for GOLD … that is black and gold!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends -

On the runway this fall you may have seen a mixture of bold prints; and bold print blouses were a sure fashion hit!  This riotous clash of patterns channeled an avant-garde glamour – eclectic in a way that’ still inherently chic. 

Anne Klein NY Floral Print Blouse

Jones NY Blouse

A checkered print in red and black make a bold statement in our silk blouse. Keyhole detail at neckline.  This beautiful silk watercolor print with 3/4 sleeve blouse with soft pleats at neck offers elegance with ease.

Banana Republic Silk Blouse

Anne Klein Watercolor Print Blouse

An abstract print blouse from St. John; in a currant and caviar abstract print.

St. John Abstract Print Blouse

An artful spin on fall’s strong shoulder, this print silk-charmeuse blouse features ruching at the wide crew neck and a single-button keyhole at the back. Rounded, asymmetrical hem. Pleating at shoulders and ruching at cuffs. Cutouts at long sleeves.  A top with joie de vivre, this print silk blouse features a tie at the crew neck and a keyhole at the bust. Pintucks at front and back. Ruching at shoulders and cuffs. 3-button closure at cuffs. Long blouson sleeves

Karen Blouse

Joie Lacey Top Blouse

Girlfriends, flaunt your free spirit in a colorfully printed blouse and enhance your figure with feminine softness.

Not sure how to begin?  Pick intricately printed tops in lush, drapey fabrics, then match them with skirts that are just a bit more simple and structured, like streamlined A-line or pencil silhouttes.

Until the next style advenute,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends ~

It’s time to have fun with Foldover Boots this year!  Perfect with skinny jeans or a fun little mini, which ever way you choose to wear them, the foldover boot is a popular trend this fall. 

Fashionistas, designers are making them with chunky heels, cone heels and even  stilettos and can be found  in  crinkled leather, vintage leather or suede of all colors.  A wide variety of styles are out there just to suit you!

Versatile and classic, these Twelfth Street Dylan Knee High Boots are a must have. Leather boots have a stacked wooden heel. With a foldover flap, you’ll have two boots in one! Count on Twelfth Street for amazing footwear.

Twelfth Street Dylan Knee High Boot

The Victoria boot is Luxury Rebel’s take on this season’s super-chic foldover trend, combining toughness and elegance in an infinitely versatile style. Available in smooth leather or marshmallow-soft suede, we think you’ll fall in love with its asymmetrical cuff line and daringly high stacked heel. Pair this one with colored or textured tights and a bold minidress for a look that’s totally of the moment.

Luxury Rebel

Distressed leather with slouchy foldover, finishes off with a smooth point-toe design.

Givenchy Wide Ankle Boots

By Vivienne Long, these leather boots feature raised seams at the full-length cuff. 3.5″ stacked heel. 14.5″ shaft and 16″ circumference. Leather sole. Or from Elizabeth & James, these pull-on, distressed leather boots feature a full-length cuff and a zip side gusset. 1.5″ hidden wedge heel. 14.5″ shaft and 15″ circumference.  These pull-on suede boots feature a cuff and seam details. 3.5″ covered heel. 14.5″ shaft and 14.5″ circumference. Faux leather sole.

Vivienne Long

Giuseppe Zanotti Boots

Rachel Roy Foldover Boots

A stylized take on the everyday knee boot, these have a wide-leg trouser cut that’s full of attitude!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends -

Its perfectly ok for you to wear bold cardigans to work this Fall and Winter season. 

If you are one of the fashionistas who likes to switch it up every now and then, the new business chic swaps restrained suit jackets for spirited sweaters. Crewneck or V-neck, worn open or closed, solid or patterned—these lively knits look both approachable and office-appropriate. Plus, they’re comfortable!

Layer this Argyle Cropped Cardigan featuring an argyle print fabric, solid ribbed knit trim, scoop neck, snap button closures, and half sleeves. Size medium has a shoulder-to-bottom hem length of 17″. 

Cropped Argyle Cardigan

Complete your look with our sleeveless sweater cardigan featuring an argyle pattern with miniature cut-out trimming. Other features include a 6-button placket, a full ribbed back, and a finished ribbed bottom hem.

Argyle Sleeveless Cardigan

Tommy Hilfiger Laurent Cardigan

Desiree Argyle Cardigan

Designer Tracey Reese gives us a softly hued argyle patterns a lightweight knit cardigan designed with a deliberately oversized silhouette and longer length.

Tracey Reese Boyfriend Cardigan

As seasons change, so does your wardrobe. But it doesn’t have to be as drastic as you think. Autumn Cashmere offers great cotton and cashmere blends that will keep you stylish all year through.

Autumn Cashmere Cardigan

An argyle print in black, white and red is sophisticated and office appropriate.

Classic Argyle Cardigan

These diamonds will be your best friend.  This argyle sweater comes in several color combinations - try one this Fall!

Gauge Argyle Cardigan

Fashionistas, argyles are an easy way to update your look. And the best part of all is that it is comfortable — nothing is as comfortable and/or easier to wear than a sweater on cold days. It’s important to note that comfort is what makes certain trends a staple and so much more enjoyable to wear various occasions!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends ~

Take a walk on the wild side this fall with hot spots!  This season a leopard-inspired bag is a must-have for carrying.  Pair your leopard bag with tunic/leggings combinations or jeans and sweater combo. 

Valentino Leopard Print Hobo

La Regale Sequin Leopard Clutch

Girlfriends, there is a lot to choose from.  Betsy Johnson gives us a leopard hair calf handheld with lipstick turnlock.

Betsy Johnson Handheld Leopard

Go bold with this shockingly stylish bag from Rampage. It combines hues and textures–including a little shot of leopard-print haircalf–in a pretty, slouchy-but-structured design.

Rampage Leopard Tote

Don the haute look of this leopard-print haircalf tote with patent leather trim from AK Anne Klein, featuring dual shoulder straps, a metal top-zip closure, a square lion logo plate, an exterior front slip pocket with magnetic closure and interior cell phone, open and zipper pockets. 

Anne Klein Perfect Leopard Tote

Fashionistas, I  adore the fresh, contemporary look of Charles David’s Zelda clutch. It features haircalf with trimmings of polished and lizard-print leathers in a pretty, high-style combination of colors.

Charles David Zelda Clutch

Head Downtown with a look that fits the scene and a bag to match. This Jessica Simpson tote is featured in faux leather with cool texture, attitude-filled slouch, and stud detailing. Add the long strap when your hands are busy with other tasks.

Jessica Simpson Downtown Tote

Girlfriends, now that you have the style scoop on one of the best bags for fall – the leopard bag, stay tuned for the next bag you need to carry this Fall!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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