Print Sheath Dress

Dear Fashionistas;

Today was a tough getting dressed for work day for me, not just because of the cold weather in April – its just sometimes I just don’t know what to wear to work!  I am sure we all have those days, right?

We I’ve learned that yes we can … stand out at the office by taking a few smart risks from Michelle Obama.

Don’t be afraid to bust out of your neutrals rut.  Find rich colors, like purple and ruby red.  Go for super-sleek sheaths.  They’re as authorative as a suit.  And the fit does matter as you need to be able to walk in it!  Considering sheaths, the back of a dress makes the last impression. And if done right, it makes a lasting one.

Pleated Sheath Dress

Fashionistas be sure to wear grown-up prints.  Feminine patterns even florals are fine for 9 to 5.  Like a delicate watercolor floral print enhances a slim sheath dress styled with low V-necklines at front and back.

Floral Print Dress

And of course, being the Accessories Guru I want you to know … pick “look-at-me” accessories.  Bold pieces … gum ball-size pearls, wide belts, a big brooch – will spike your style and confidence!

Show up for work with a multi-strand beaded necklace with satiny ribbon trim; ties in back.  A fringe of lustrous white pearls stationed on gleaming silvertone chain. Or a distinctive chain necklace featuring an ornate cluster of jeweled oblong filigree medallions.

Multi-strand Beaded Necklace

Faux Pearl Necklace

Glass Pearl Multi-Drop Necklace

And finally fashionistas simplify your beauty routine.  Don’t reinvent yourself daily … of course you can change your hair and your makeup from simple to glam but don’t overdo it!  You want to be the same person just a bit more consistently chic!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Fashionistas,

As I prepare for an evening of relaxation and comfort at home, I was thinking about how nice it would be to be out in the wild, enjoying the sun, and thinking global. Where do I want to travel this year? Going somewhere and dressing the part are two different things.

As I think about it, this season’s global reach highlights Africa and colonial India as sources of inspiration. Start with contrasting earth tones, intricate wooden beads, and animal and block prints on delicate fabrics, the mood is a journey-into-the-wild offering luxurious and chic safari-styled clothing.

DRESSES

Velvet by Graham & Spencer “Vivica” Kenya printed maxi dress. Sleeveless deep v-neck long maxi dress. Large beaded detail at front at neckline. $275.00

Down-to-there flair, with a plunging neckline and knot front. Ties at waist and fit-and-flare shape. Imported polyester/spandex matte jersey. $98.00

A squareneck crochet caftan-styled dress offers a crisp and clean look. A natural weave of beauty. Ruffle hem and imported cotton. $58.00

Step out in a pretty pattern. Adjustable, elasticized straps. Banded waist, side pockets and imported cotton/spandex. $59.00 sale

Stylish wrap-front shirtdress is updated with charming puff sleeves and four-pocket detailing. Matching sash cinches the waist for a perfect fit. $97.90 sale

Safari-style blouson dress in stretch jersey knit. Stand collar, button front, patch pockets and shirred 3/4 balloon sleeves and a 38″ from waist. $24.99 sale

Walk on the wild side in this Safari inspired dress. This gorgeous jumper dress has all of the right details in the right places to flatter your figure. $54.00

Pair these strong elements with basic and open shoes to make the look modern!

Until the next style adventure,
Monica the Urbanista

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Dear Fashionistas:

You can NEVER go wrong with a black dress, we all know that. But what happens with the “Little Black Dress” goes out on the town? Are you ready for the style adventure ahead?

Let’s get down to business. So the little black dress; everyone has one, and if you don’t, go out and get one now!

There are a number of styles to choose from when it comes to the little black dress: wrap, tank, A-line, sheath. I suggest finding the most basic one then you can add your own “fashion spin” on the dress.

If you are a last-minute fashionista, you want to be able to just through on your pumps, grab your colored clutch and get out the door. Simple, chic, and ridiculously easy, this is the little black dress working its’ hardest.If you love to accessorize then this look is for you. Again, find the simplest little black dress you can and then go wild with the accessories.

A chic embroided dress offers a silk dress with wide neck. Gathered elastic banding and self-belt tie at waist. Slant pockets at hip. Circle embroidery and cutouts at hem. Short dolman sleeves.

What do you think makes an uptown-chic look rock? It isn’t just the black dress, but the whole package! A shiny satin black dress is easy enough to make it go whichever way you want. A funky clutch plus an up-to-the-minute trendy nude colored shoes paired with a sassy updo can make your dress look less dressy and totally CHIC! If you plan to go dressy, add pearls and a classic clutch with black pumps.

Jersey halter dress with crossover V neck and drawstring at top hem. Gathered elastic banding at empire waist. Spaghetti straps tie behind neck. Lined at bodice.

Knit dress with knot and gathering detail at wide neck. Vertical banding and inverted pleats at front. Rounded pockets at fitted hem. 7″ jersey cuffs at 3/4 dolman sleeves. Jersey lining.

Jersey dress with ruching, U-ring, and pleating at bust. Unfinished edge at bottom hem. Strapless. Lined at bodice.

Slinky jersey dress with draping at crossover V back. Ruching and crossover detail at shoulders. Long sleeves.

Strapless dress in a textured cotton weave. Bow detail at bust and pleating at front. Light boning at sides. On-seam hip pockets and hidden back zip. Lined.

Silk dress with cascading chiffon ruffles at V neck and front. Hidden zipper at side and 8″ slit at back.

Whatever your style selection, make sure its a look that will rock and reveal a fabulous fashionista shining through a simple little black dress!

Until the next style adventure,
Monica the Urbanista

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Dear Fashionistas:

I’ve been wearing dresses this whole summer and I wanted to share my love for dresses with you! Dresses are perfect for dancing in the summer heat, will give you a fun and flirty edge! Dresses are elegant, sophisticated, and flattering; don’t you agree?!

If you are heading to the grocery store on a Saturday morning after yoga, wear a fun loose-fitting smock dress, then to an outing with your gal pals you can wear a lightweight dress that is perfect for summertime! Later on in the evening, a flattering evening with “your guy” wear a textured metallic dress. Any of these dresses for a relaxing and chic Saturday evening is guaranteed to make you shine!

Until the next adventure,
Monica the Urbanista

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Dear Fashionistas:

I’ve been wearing dresses this whole summer and I wanted to share my love for dresses with you! Dresses are perfect for dancing in the summer heat, will give you a fun and flirty edge! Dresses are elegant, sophisticated, and flattering; don’t you agree?!

If you are heading to the grocery store on a Saturday morning after yoga, wear a fun loose-fitting smock dress, then to an outing with your gal pals you can wear a lightweight dress that is perfect for summertime! Later on in the evening, a flattering evening with “your guy” wear a textured metallic dress. Any of these dresses for a relaxing and chic Saturday evening is guaranteed to make you shine!

Until the next adventure,
Monica the Urbanista

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