We’re here to offer you the best of anoraks for the spring.  Twill anoraks offer a cotton jacket and can completely change an outfit from umm to wow within an instant.  An anorak can make any outfit look a sporty; put then add a dress, and you’re got a cute style statement. 

These are some of our favorites.

• Get a safari inspired look with this anorak jacket trimmed with gunmetal hardware. This style features so many goodies, among them are the stand-up collar with detachable hood, shoulder epaulettes, roll-up sleeve tabs, and pouch pockets at the chest and hips.
• Pops of fuchsia and gleaming hardware detail a lightweight anorak styled with roll-tab sleeves, oversized zipper pockets and a high/low hem.
• A quartet of snap-flap pockets—plus two zippered chest pockets—front a citified anorak detailed with gleaming silvertone hardware. The hood zips neatly into the collar back.
• This metallic jacket features a 2-snap closure and a drawstring at the zip-off hood. Welt bust pockets and flap hip pockets. Zip closure and drawstring hem. Gathered elastic cuffs at long sleeves.

Girlfriends, consider pairing an anorak jacket with a dress will give your look the right touch – a feminine feel!

Anorak Jacket Safari Inspired

Fuschia Anorak Jacket

Michael Kors Anorak Jacket

Metallic Anorak Jacket

Anorak Jacket

Dear Fashionistas,

We’re here to show you spring jackets under $100!  From sunny trenches to pretty prints, spring 2012’s best jackets are as affordable as they are on trend!

• Trench coat offers timeless appeal with an always current style. Bring a sharp look to any occasion with this classic.
• Ruching and a chic pillow collar create a dramatic look for INC’s belted coat. Lightweight with classic tailoring, this is a must-have piece for spring and beyond! (on sale $59.99)
• In a the season’s hottest silhouette, this cape-style DKNY coat is perfect topping off spring’s colored skinny jeans! (on sale $79.99)
• Stay in tune with the latest trends in the darling new BB Dakota by Jack Cadence Striped Jacket! Melodic stripes of ivory and taupe descend from shoulder to hem, with a unique double breasted closure and two vertical front pockets. ($54.00)
• Oversize tortoiseshell-colored buttons offset the bright green shell of a short coat that’s seamed for a shapely fit. ($98.00)
• A separate hooded panel layered under the placket buttons of an anorak in a sunny citrus color. Adjustable toggles cinch the inner waist and hem for a perfect fit. ($89.00)

Get online and get your spring jacket today!

Under the next style adventure,

Monica

BB Dakota Jacket

St. Johns Trench Coat

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.

Boutique 9 Alanee Pump

Dear Girlfriends,

With the winter season in full gear {just was snowing in metropolitan DC last evening}; we are all ready for some color beyond the dull gray, brown and black some of us tend to wear during the winter months.  Instead try a pop of color on your feet this winter.  Its guaranteed to make you feel better – its a trend you will love and it’ll make you feel good as well.

Here are some vibrant heels to consider; have some fun!

Bring a pop of bright color to your looks with these fun Deviaate platform pumps from Steve Madden. In rich purple suede, they feature a stylish peep toe and ankle strap for a unique touch.

Steve Madden Fierse Pump

From Vince Camuto, a cool-blue heel and glacial-grey platform lift an icy-chic slingback pump.

Betty Pump by Gucci

Twinkling metallic accents spotlight the triple temptation of a mary-jane platform pump supported by a feminine wrapped heel.

Vince Camuto Mazin Pump

A dash of complementary color jolts across the concealed platform of a peep-toe pump set on an angled-cut heel for geometric glam.

A color-blocked platform and wrapped heel boost an architectural sandal structured with a crisply cutout vamp.

A wrapped heel and platform lift a round-toe pump shaped from high-gloss patent leather.

Jessica Simpson Evannan Platform

and wrapping these up!  I found this! Eye-catching flare at the back intensifies a precocious pump with a high hidden platform.

Girlfriends, don’t be blah this winter – embrace the season and give your feet something to smile about – you’ll be fab in colored pumps.

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

Dior Peep Toe Platform Pump

Dear Girlfriends,

On Friday January 6 we had the pleasure to hear, listen, meet and interview an expert in the field of beauty and style – the one and only Mikki Taylor.  As Editor-at-Large of Essence Magazine and one of the nation’s foremost authorities on fashion, beauty and style Mikki Taylor herself is a ‘commander’.  She entered the room with such style and grace wearing a chic LBD and colored designer wine pumps. With her confidence, joy and genuine love in tow, Mikki shared her inspiration for her book, “Commander in Chic: Every Woman’s Guide to Managing Her Style Like a First Lady”.

Before we share our candid conversation, we must say we are looking forward to the potential of a new book inspired by Mikki’s anecdotes for bits of style – famously known as “Mikki-isms”.  Even before the book is born, we will be the first in line when this book hits the shelves.

When asked ‘how can the everyday woman carve out an effortless (quick) routine to make sure they walk out the door ‘on’ point?’ Mikki discussed the importance of carving out time to do things that are important to you. Style really begins with us.  We should all make our style effortless.  And as women we should have checklists.  Get used to having your name show up on your schedule (i.e. make yourself important).

When writing “Commander in Chic”, Mikki’s target audience is simply women.  The book doesn’t have age or demographic limitations.  The book is for every women who wants to own her life. For women who want to be better, be healthier and spend money wiselessly.

Commander in Chic Book Signing (Washington, D.C.)

Girlfriends, she wants all of us to consider the book as your personal style diary.  Though style is unique for each of us, we have common threads that inspire us.

The book has several chapters from style, beauty and health; and it delves into important things women should wear/carry from a smile, healthy lifestyle to defining your personal style and what makes you – you.  She knows that we all want to own a signature look and a wardrobe of ‘bankable’ pieces that define our style. In this colorful style guide, Mikki’s cover to cover advice, chic tips and photographs allow us to be our own ‘commander’ in chic.

Personally, we at Charm Chat can relate to Mrs. Obama’s style because she makes it realistic and attainable – in the words of Mikki Taylor its “effortless”.

We look forward to diving into this ultimate beauty and style resource guide!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

Can’t wait for more and want to stay in touch, follow Mikki Taylor on Facebook: I Am Mikki Taylor and Twitter @IAMMikkiTaylor

{Photos by Cheriss May}

On the onset of the winter season we all went scrambling for the perfect boots to take us through the season.  And now that January is here, we want to remain stylish and warm. Know those ballet flats with the satin ribbons that lace up your calf?

We offer you the top 5 ballerina-inspired boots; get ready to step out in style to all your winter events in boots.

• 

  CK Jeans Jill Boot

  A wrap-around bow brings a touch of sweet to the sassy lines of CK Jeans Jill boot. The ankle zipper grants quick access to the leather upper, while a wooden heel and lug sole offer trend appeal that’s so right now. Beautiful, clean and a little bit funky, CK Jeans’ Jill brings oodles of style to your boot-weather wardrobe.

• 

  Chloe’s Wrap Around Boot

  A super stylish shape from Chloé, these boots show-off many key trends and will add a modern twist to every look. Team with jeans or a skirt and wear from day-to-night.

• 

  YSL Grey Suede

  With a wide range of beautifully crafted shoes and accessories to choose from, Yves Saint Laurent will be your ultimate go-to designer. Boot features soft suede upper with plush dyed shearling lining; fur origin – Italy, rounded toe, wrap around tie and tassel with black stitched welt and black zig-zag trim around sole.

• 

  C Label Women's Chasity Boot

  Wrap yourself in style with this chic knee high from C LABEL. The Chastity-3 features a leather upper under a leather shaft-length wrap that ends with a bow at the back. A side zip makes on-and-off a breeze, so you can get out and hit the town in style.

• 

  Nina Henriq Boots

  It’s a tie! An elaborately wrapped ribbon embellishment surrounds the faux fur shaft detailing on Nina’s Henriq tall boots. With a pointed toe silhouette and high heel, they’ll make a striking statement whenever you wear them.

Shop online for the ballerina-inspired boots.  Remember you’re shopping with a flirty purpose.

We’ve been on the trend watch and funky plaid is one to watch.  A far cry from the prep school prints of yesterday, the classic check has been revamped {Essence Magazine}.

Here are some style selections my girlfriends and I found during our weekend of trend watching!

We saw these Sonia Rykiel Plaid Trim Pants; these knit wool skinny pants feature plaid tweed trim and faux back pockets. Vertical and horizontal seams at legs. Elastic insets at stirrups. Extended-tab, double-snap closure. There were even dresses in funky plaid. This scoop-neck plaid dress features leather trim and a handkerchief hem. Leather vest overlay ties at waist. 1.25″ straps. Double-layered at front.

Sonia Rykiel Plaid Trim Pants

Gleaner's Tank Dress

And this haute hat from Eugenia Kim, tweed hat features a suede tie at the earflaps. In need of a fall tote or handbag? This oversized plaid wool bag features leather trim and a detachable luggage tag. Snap-flap pockets at front and zip pocket at back. Metal feet and brass hardware. Double rolled handles and detachable shoulder strap. Zip main compartment closure. Lined interior features zip pocket and 2 patch pockets.

Eugenia Kim Trapper Hat

Luggage Bag

If you didn’t know if before you know it now. Skirts are a big hit this fall season and this plaid wool skirt features solid trim. Patch hip pockets. Hidden side zip.

Plaid Pencil Skirt

Girlfriends, this plaid blazer features a notched collar and flap hip pockets. 2-button closure. Double back vents and 2-button cuffs. Seam details at long sleeves.

Plaid Blazer

We all walked away loving this piece!  From Sass & Bride, the Art of Love plaid jacket. This collarless plaid jacket features a ruched peplum and a tie at the waist. Features light padding at shoulders, long sleeves and lined.

Art of Plaid Jacket

Don’t forget your plaid this season!

After a long and hectic day at the office (in Washington, D.C.) I wanted to wind-down with a Crystal Light On The Go, watch some TV and relax at home.  After making the drink (I tried the Raspberry Lemonade flavor by the way), I discovered this was the perfect drink for me!

Crystal Light on the Go, raspberry lemonade, is a sugar-free flavored drink mix that turns ordinary tasting water into a flavorful, low-calorie soft drink,  Its 90% less calories than leading soft drinks and offers all the benefits of water plus a refreshing light taste.

And get this, its simple to make this chic drink and truly enjoy “Crystal Light flavor over fizz”. The Crystal Light on the Go contains a pack of six .8-ounce boxes of low-calorie, raspberry lemonade powdered drink mixes; just add to your bottled water, shake and go.  Offers all the benefits of water plus a refreshing light taste.

Um so refreshing.  See how I dressed up my Crystal Light!

Crystal Light "Dressed Up"

Crystal Light "Dressed Up"

Want to take the “Flavor Over Fizz” Challenge?  Take the “Flavor over Fizz” Challenge and check out the Crystal Light Facebook page to start your own challenge and enter to win great prizes!

Disclosure:  1. No monetary compensation was provided by Crystal Light or Glam Media for this post.

2. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Crystal Light.