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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Fashionistas on those days when I want to just say “rain, rain go away come back another day!” my mind wonders and I decide I want to be stylish while walking and talking but my umbrella gear is not in check or in chic!

Its like for me craving an umbrella that is so jaw-droppingly attractive you’ll never leave it in your car, cubicle, or the movie theater floor! I want to be in that place and I am sure you do too.

Through my own search for myself, I was able to also find some amazing designs so chic that I look forward to April showers.

Don’t believe me … just take a look.

As a long-time student and collector of umbrellas, Seattle’s Jodell Egbert’s vintage collections were the nucleus around which she began Bella Umbrella. Her venture is now the largest source of vintage and vintage-styled umbrellas in the world!  Like this stylish ladies stick umbrella for rain or sun.

Mint Green Pagoda Umbrella

Designer umbrellas from Pare Umbrella make chic compliments to any outfit. Their full-length fashion umbrellas are inspired by the unique, fun and colorful umbrellas of Tokyo, Japan.  Even this rock star umbrella has lots of cool details like polka dot and black lace trim, glittery graffiti prints and a black and silver alligator skin like handle. You Rock! Beautiful Woman!

Rock It Woman Umbrella

Tray 6 umbrellas are equal parts fashion and function. This SoCal company is committed to creating high-quality, high design products–no more plain black and boring plaid, enough with shoddy spokes and sharp metal parts!   Look at this red umbrella with silver floral print is both modern and feminine. The elegant floral sketch stretches onto two panels.

Red Umbrella Stylish Flower

And  here are more and more rain-style options!

Purple Orange Accent Umbrella

Joi Umbrella

Pink Orange Umbrella

Yellow Spring Umbrella

My search for the perfect umbrellas is now over and I’ve discovered they are many options for me (and you) to remain stylish in the rain!

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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Get Twisted!

Dear Girlfriends

I recently discovered Pantene Pro-V Relaxed & Natural hair care for Women of Color and being a women of color myself, I was excited to try this product out!  

Have you ever had a time when you got excited about trying a new product?  Well this past weekend, it was my time!  I discovered fabulous haircare beauty by Pantene in a bottle.

I must say over the past weekend I was looking forward to the Intensive Moisturizing Shampoo that I would soon give to my hair.  It actually was an oil-enriched feeling I had after lathering it up a few times through the whole shampoo wash I was able to exhale the cleaniness of it all.

Pantene Relaxed & Natural Women of Color Moisturizing Shampoo

Adding the Pantene Pro-V Relaxed & Natural for Women of Color Intensive Moisturizing Conditioner was the icing on the cake!   With me having natural hair, sometimes it can be unmanageable.  After using the conditioner, it feels great to the touch and easy to comb through.

Pantene Relaxed & Natural Women of Color Moisturizing Conditioner

On the following day, I was tempted to tray the deep conditioning mask for my hair.  It was intense … in a good way.  It allowed all the deep penetration to flow through my natural hair and kept my hair smooth, manageable and well-balanced.  As a woman of color, I can’t say more about the Pantene Pro-V Relaxed & Natural for Women of Color Breakage Defense Deep Conditioning Mask … from my first experience it was the best deep conditioning product around.  You really don’t have to keep it on long … it is truly a deep conditioning mask.  Pantene has outdone themselves with this one!  

Pantene Deep Conditioning Mask

Overall, I love that Pantene has made a line for women of color. I’ve used Pantene products before the relaxed and natural line came out and they worked well but this is perfect for me and my natural hair type.  Its a lifestyle!

Hey fabulous women of color … what more can I say than to try it yourself?

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 ~

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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