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.

Have you started planning for your end of summer/fall wardrobe? My girlfriends and I are! At least we are thinking of what we need for the season. Finding the perfect pencil skirt as we transition for summer chic to a polished fall season is first on our list.

These are a few of our favorite pencil skirts!

• Tailored skirt, featuring, a wrap over style, form fitting design, high waistline, with button fastening, and a midi length.
  

  Button Wrap Pencil Skirt

• Fishtail pencil skirt, featuring a variegated stripe finish with a high waistband, slim fit styling and a ruffle trim fishtail hem.

• 

  Stripe Fishtail Pencil Skirt

  Origami pencil skirt, featuring a fitted waist, an asymmetric folded detail to the side, and a zip fastening and seam split to reverse, all in a straight fitted style.

• 

  Ponti Origami Pencil Skirt

  Cotton pencil skirt, featuring a deep fitted waistband with a high asymmetric side split, tailored knee length styling, contoured seams and a concealed zip fastening to the reverse.

• 

  Skinny Pleated Fishtail Pencil

  Knee length skirt, featuring a high waistline, form fitting shape, and a pleat detail fish tail hem, with a concealed zip fastening to reverse, in a stretch finish.

Extreme Slit Pencil Skirt

Finding the perfect pencil skirt is a fashion thought you and your girlfriends should consider – get ready and plan for the rest of the summer in summer chic and prepare for a polished fall!

Wearing bright maxi dresses during the end of spring and beginning of the summer season is ideal! Bright colors feel good, are light and give you that extra “vibe” to take you throughout your day. 

Summer is the perfect time to make a style statement with a maxi dress.  We would recommend some of these options for you to consider. This chiffon long dress from Halston Heritage features a deep V neck and accordion-pleated overlays and offers 19″ side slits, hidden back zip, spaghetti straps tie at shoulders and its even lined.

From C&C California, this striped jersey long dress features a scoop neck and a racer back. Drawstring waist and deep side slits. Ribbed banding at neckline and arm openings.

Designer Rory Beca showcases this silk-chiffon maxi dress features ruching at the V neck and a drawstring at the waist with a 2′ slit at front and spaghetti straps.

Haute Hippie takes you from inner to outer, day to night, and metropolis to sanctuary by emphasizing the art of layering and by embracing eclectic style and sophistication. As a single destination for fashion basics, layering items, and loungewear with a designer aesthetic and contemporary price, Haute Hippie provides inspired everyday looks and attainable luxury. Look sexy, be confident, and feel relaxed with an air of independence, freedom and style.

This scoop-neck silk maxi dress features a drawstring tie at the neckline and a keyhole at the bust. Flounce hem. Seam at waist and hidden zip at side with 1″ straps and double-layered.

Maxi dresses are trendy, stylish and comfy pieces for the summer!

Are you ready, set … then motion!

As a Motions woman, you radiate confidence the moment you step out of the salon. You’re fun, fierce and fashionable – and everyone knows it.  The Motions collection of salon-tested, superior quality products feature a powerful combination of naturally-derived ingredients and revolutionary technology. Motions offers fully customizable solutions to keep hair gorgeous, silky and manageable. Discover your hair’s ultimate shine – and your limitless possibilities – with Motions.

Motions At Home Foaming Wrap Lotion is a product a few stylists I know live by!  “First and foremost it is not messy and easy to apply to achieve the look you want and or need. The product is light and doesn’t wear your hair down with alot of product. Not only does it provide the look, the product smells very good. Best if used when wrapping the hair or when you are trying to achieve a roller set. …. professional stylist in metropolitan Washington, D.C.”

Whatever your style sensibility, looking fab, fierce and fashionable is always on the agenda – go with Alberto-Culver Motions!

To learn more, visit Motions!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica