If you don’t know by now the clog is one of the Fall season’s must have shoe accessory.  It stands all alone and yet can bring some much charm and style to your wardrobe selection for the day. 

The clog is a classic silhoutte that goes to new heights with platform soles and hardware embellishments.  Don’t believe me?  See for yourself.

These leather platform clogs from MICHAEL Kors feature stud details and a buckled sling-back strap. Raised seam at upper. 1.5″ wooden and rubber platform and 5″ wooden heel.  Still not convinced?  Look at these from Loeffler Randall, these pebbled leather platform clogs feature an exposed front zip. 3/4″ hidden platform and 4.25″ covered heel.

KORS Michael Kors Claudia Platform

Loeffler Randall Zipper Clog

These open-toe pebbled leather platform booties feature pleats at the vamp and studs at the sidewall. 1.5″ wooden platform and 4.25″ wooden heel. 4″ shaft.

UGG Australia Lynnea Clog Boot

By Ugg Australia, clogs have even gone wild!  Check out these boots.Furry, folded, fab. Imported leather/shearling with a 3″ heel.

Clog boots by Guess. Featuring chunky wooden sole with rivet detailing, almond shaped toe, with stitching to the top, lace up front with eyelet detail, cuff to the top, with black fleecy lining.

Guess Bountiful Boots at ASOS

The classic clog is making a comeback, and we love the novel take Phillip Lim took on this trend by adding a boot-like shaft and a sky-high heel.

The Stud Clog by DaniBlack is a peep toe leather clog with adjustable slingback. Slingback has buckle fitting, studded accents on sides. Wood tone platform and heel.

Daniblack Clog

These sensational See by Chloe™ clogs are just the thing you need to create a breathtaking ensemble!

See by CHLOE Couture

Girlfriends, are you looking at all these stylish clog options?  From platforms, to booties – you can’t go wrong with a clog this season!

Dear Girlfriends:

As you prepare for the Fall fashion season (yes, it will be upon you soon!) and the transition of clothes and shoes to flow with the season, don’t forget to grab  a healthy snack as you walk out the door!

Danon Activia is a yummy and healthy snack that can take you through the day. Before I hopped on the Metro train in downtown D.C., I grabbed a strawberry-flavored Dannon Activia yogurt and it was a great power snack for my afternoon Fall shopping at Loehmann’s.

Trust me fashionistas, with fourteen creamy, delicious flavours to try, seven flavours of Activia Fat Free and a wide range of sizes and packs, you’re sure to find the Activia® that fits your lifestyle!  Yogurt is a quick and simple snack and Activia certainly has some great health benefits as well!

Why is Activia yogurt such a great choice for a fashionista like me?

• It is the only yogurt to contain exclusive BL Regularis^TM specifically selected by Danone researchers.
• BL Regularis^TM is scientifically proven and clinically tested to survive passage through the digestive system, arriving into the large intestine as a live culture that stays active.
• Activia^® can truly be called a “yogurt with an active probiotic culture” because of the exclusive, additional friendly bacteria it contains: BL Regularis^TM.
• It tastes great – consumers ranked Activia^® highest among yogurts for flavour and creaminess in Danone taste tests! (Source: Cintech, July 2003)
• It is available in twelve delicious flavours – vanilla, strawberry, prune, peach, apple and raisins, pears, raspberry, sweetened plain, peach and cereals, red fruits and cereals, apple-müesli and nuts and also available in seven flavours of Activia Fat Free – vanilla, strawberry, peach, raspberry, prune, red fruits and cereals, apple and müesli.

There are so many options …. Take the 14-day Activia Challenge today OR save on Activia (your coupons are waiting) and see how Activia plus shopping is both healthy and fabulous!

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.

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

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