Ready for Spring 2012, consider the new mod by Marc by Marc Jacobs.  Here are a few simple, yet mod pieces for your Spring look.

• This colorblock cotton Marc by Marc Jacobs dress features a scoop neck and patch hip pockets.
  

  Norwood Sweater Dress

• This formfitting jersey Marc by Marc Jacobs dress features a ruffle overlay at the waist.
  

  Hannah Peplum Dress

• This straight-leg, strapless Marc by Marc Jacobs jumpsuit features a boned bodice and contrast silk-taffeta pants.Sweetheart neckline. Welt front pockets and flap back pockets.
  

  Eames Jumpsuit

• This strapless dress features a contrast panel at the draped side and asymmetrical ruching at the boned bodice. Gathered elastic waistband and exposed side zip.
  

  Ellsworth Dress

• This scoop-neck jersey Marc by Marc Jacobs top features a striped front panel and a solid back panel.
  

  Eno Block Shirt

Wear the new mod this Spring!

Until the next adventure,

Monica

Cushnie Silk Strap Dress

DVF Purple Forest Top

Milly Print Bias

Monrow Cap Slee Tee Dress

Willow Tuck Front Pants

Simply put the carnival season is ending today with Fat Tuesday.  And as we celebrate Mardi Gras and usher in Spring, what better way that to celebrate in the colors of the season – purple, green and gold.

• This print silk blouse features a jacquard pattern. Tie detail and ruching at high neck. Sleeveless.
• Cushnie’s silk dress features a V neck and a front slit. Double spaghetti straps.
• From Willow, these slouchy silk pants feature asymmetrical draping and a hidden back zip. 
• DVF brings us this purple forest, racer-back, print silk-chiffon tank features a looped scarf detail at the scoop neck. Rounded front hem.
• This long silk dress features a deep V neck and an open back. Ruching at waist. Hidden side zip. Spaghetti straps. Double-layered at bodice.
• This formfitting scoop-neck jersey dress features a rounded hem. Sleeveless.

  Happy Mardi Gras Fashionistas! 

Babs Bibb Maxi Dress

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

*Outfits inspired by ShopBop.com – one of Charm Chat’s premier online boutiques.

Every season, there’s a new neutral to incorporate into your wardrobe and this season’s hue is unquestionably camel. Have any doubts about this rich color’s must-have status? Virtually every look sent down the runway was in varying shades of camel.

Whether you invest in the ultra-hot camel coat, a well-placed accessory, or simply a camel sweater to pair with black, brown and denim, it’s a classic color worth owning.

This oversized, cowl-neck alpaca sweater features ribbed banding at the hem and cuffs. Long sleeves.  This double-breasted coat features a notched collar and an 8-button closure. 2 zip pockets and 4 flap pockets at front. Inverted pleat at back and buttoned strap at cuffs.

Cowl Neck Sweater

Riberton Jacket

Or if considering camel for shoes or boots, look at these!  These suede platform booties feature shearling trim and an exposed inside zip. Metal band at heel. 1.25″ (30 mm) wooden platform and 5″ (125 mm) wooden heel. 6″ (15 cm) shaft and 12.5″ (31.5 cm) circumference. Shearling lining and rubber sole.

This double-breasted, cropped wool jacket features a fold-over collar and an 8-button closure. Embossed anchors at oversized buttons and welt pockets at waist. 3/4 sleeves. These corduroy skinny pants feature 5-pocket styling and a single-button closure. Worn edges and mild distressing. 12″ leg opening.

Cropped Pea Coat

DVF Suede Platform Booties

This folded, variegated pebbled-leather handbag features a slide-bar closure at the front tab and magnetic-snap closures at the front flap. 2 zip pockets at back and banding at edges.

Clyde Pebbled Handbag

Gold hardware. Chain insets at rolled handle. Detachable, adjustable shoulder strap. Lined interior features zip pocket and 2 patch pockets.

Corduroy Skinny Pants

So when you’re out shopping for Fall, think camel color!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

Twenty 8 Twelve

Dear Girlfriends:

I know that its haute, hot, haute this summer but before you know it it’ll be time to prepare for the Fall/Winter season.  One fashion trend that I see for the Fall season are tailored  jackets. 

Tailored jackets can be using for layering in the Fall and for simply style in the Winter.  Go for tailored jackets that consist of broad shoulders, bright designs and some “over the top” looks. When it comes to jackets this season, we have really seen it all—colors, tweed, wool—but how do you choose the one that is right for you?

From ASOS’ online boutique, find a cotton jacket from Twenty8Twelve by s.miller, lightweight with three quarter sleeves and gathered waist with waist belt and bow tie.

Smthye Blazer

A chic, military-inspired jacket in lightweight stretch twill. Raw edge trim at point collar, placket, cuffs and hem. Long sleeves gathered at shoulder seams. Two-button cuff with antique gold finish. Double-breasted front with one row of shank button closure and one of row of snaps. Two slit pockets. Tailored silhouette.

Military Jacket by the Loft

Fashionistas this jacket is simply haute! Smythe is renowned for its impeccable tailoring – needless to say more for those of us who know it well. The Box Pleat Blazer adds a sense of no-nonsense polish to your look without looking like you’re going to a board meeting. Instant sophistication without loosing your feminine charms. Where’s the dotted line? We’ll sign on.

Matte Jersey Blazer

Matte jersey softens the structured silhouette of a versatile tailored blazer secured with a black-and-goldtone button at the center front. Extensive ruching at the seams lends a textured look.

Daisy Fuentes Blazer

Be chic wearing this daisy fuentes blazer.

A relaxed boyfriend cut and rolled cuffs give you a laid-back, trendy look. Complement this women’s blazer with your favorite skinny jeans.

James Blazer

The ultimate black blazer equipped with 3/4 sleeves and phenomenal tailoring. Wear over just about anything for an effortlessly chic look.

If you feel fabulous in it, then you know that you have found the “one.”  We hope these simplte tips on finding the style for the jacket. Get a jacket that makes you feel sexy and one that you know you will wear all fall long. The fall months can be downright “comfortable”, but your jacket sure doe need to be haute!

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

Dear Girlfriends -

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).

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.

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.

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

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