Dear Girlfriends,

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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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Dear Girlfriends,

Wearing romantic lace this fall is not only a great style value, these artfully crafted peekaboo numbers are all musts and no fuss this season.

Here are some style we found while out shopping;

Bouquet Lace Top; coming from designer Nanette Lepore, this lace blouse features a V-neck and a 6-button closure and scalloped lace trim. Ribbon bows at front and 2″ straps.

Lace Inset Top; this wide-neck silk top features lace insets at the bust and at the ruched 5-button cuffs.Featuring long sleeves and semi-sheer.

Long Sleeve Lace Dress: This floral lace dress features pearl buttons at the turtleneck and cuffs. Subtle smocking at waist. Sheer long sleeves. Slip dress lining.

Puff Sleeve Dress: This scoop-neck jersey dress features a lace back panel and a bow detail at the removable lace belt. Circle skirt. Gathered elastic at waist and cuffs. Short puff sleeves.

Trench Coat with Lace Trim: This double-breasted trench coat features peek-a-boo, ruffled tulle and lace trim at the hem. Hook-and-eye closure at fold-over collar. Storm flap and 6-button closure. Button-tab epaulets. Vertical hip pockets. Featuring ruching at waist, box pleats and buttoned strap at back, removable self-belt and strap details at cuffs. !

We can’t wait to rock this trend.

Nanette Lepore

Lace Inset Top

Trench Coat with Lace Trim

Long Sleeve Dress

Puff Sleeve Dress

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Dear Girlfriends,

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!

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Herringbone Midi Coat

Dear Girlfriends,

We are finding that herringbone coats are a key option for coats this season.  Herringbone coats can be fashionable and affordable, framing your silhouette and keeps you warm.  Here are some options we found while on our search;

• A black herringbone pattern defines this Steve Madden women’s coat. The front features toggle closures for classic appeal.
• This midi-herringbone coat, double-breasted tweed jacket features a notched collar and a 6-button closure. Flap pockets at sides and vent at back. Cuffed long sleeves and lined.
• Elizabeth and James stamps its signature sartorial edge on the classic herringbone coat with ribbed-jersey sleeves and a cutout leather belt. Elizabeth and James double-breasted coat: gray herringbone wool-blend, notch collar, long ribbed-jersey sleeves, detachable buckled leather belt, front flap pockets, pleated seam detail, fully lined.
• Felted winter shawl coat from Funktional. Features over-sized shawl styling with piped edging, foldover collar, all over herringbone print, hidden waist pockets, and wide leather waist belt.
• Double breasted front closure. Oversized collar can be worn as hood or pulled over shoulders. Ties at waist. Two front slit pockets. Hits at thigh. Fully lined.

See didn’t we tell you, searching for the perfect herringbone coats can be fabulous.  We had a great time shopping and scouring for you all.

Until the next time,

Monica

Cascade Herring Coat

Belted Herringbone Coat with Hood

Elizabeth and James Belted Herringbone

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Dear Girlfriends,

Leopard print handbags can easily work well with a casual daytime look, a night time look, and even a business look.  We love that our fellow fashionistas can keep their outfits simple and use their bags as a statement piece.  We really dig animal print bags, and think this is a great piece for any fall wardrobe.

Richly textured calf hair patterned in a striking leopard print comprises a sophisticated satchel fronted with a casually sculpted nappa-leather bow.  Tactile calf hair lends trend-right texture to a leopard-print tote punctuated with gleaming dome studs.

Vince Camuto Handbag Wild at Heart

Leather handles and a chunky chain-detailed shoulder strap top the chic style.  The Fling is everything that the name conjures and more. Its the go-to style for occasions from red carpet to impromptu dance party for celebs like Shanae Grimes, who was spotted in her leopard Fling at Fashion’s Night Out in NYC!

Offering patterns in either delicate or bold print, chic leopard print handbags are available in all the current styles. When you think of a leopard print purse, typically the hues of brown and black leopard spots come to mind. Some prints are more subtle than others, but all are stylish and fashion forward in my opinion.  Check out this find from Vince Camuto; as the designer teams rich suede with leopard calf hair and textured patent leather in this striking flap bag. Rebecca Minkoff Leopard Fling

Valention Satchel

MK Kors Leopard Print Tote

Or consider a refined leopard-print design distinguishes a chic, textured calf hair satchel topped with double handles.

Chloé 'Aurore - Printed Leo' Calf Hair Satchel

Handbag trends come and go, but the leopard print is here to stay. After all, leopard print bags have been around for a long time and they will continue to be crowd pleasers.

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends;

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!

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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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Few fashion items have as much history as the cape. It’s a symbol of nobility—royalty from the likes of the Queen to Miss America wouldn’t look dressed without one. Let’s take a walk down the “chic cape” fashion runaway!

Evoking a more romantic era is easy with capes as traditional as a classic six on the park. Wear the vintage-inspired Cejon Women’s Belted Cape($125) with a pencil skirt for an elegant effect, and pair it with 1920s-style accessories to complete the look. Of course, if you’re going for the sleigh-riding snow bunny look, pick up a sweet and innocent knit cape. Nothing says fireside flirtation like pom poms, and at about 30 bucks, it’ll leave you plenty to spend on hot chocolate.

If your winter coat gets lost amid a sea of look-alikes at your office, set yourself apart with a business-ready cape. The Dale Dressin Peacoat Cape ($375) plays off the classic peacoat design for a bold but familiar look. Pair it with skinny pants for a sleek silhouette, or layer it over bold prints for even more impact. The Tarnish Ribbon Trim Cape ($128) with its oversized ribbon channels the old-fashioned glamour of the 1950s office boom. I couldn’t help but notice the ingenious design of this Rapscallion by Samantha Pleet Detachable Cape Dress ($148). Wear them together or separately for major cape action. Dramatic types who like to make an entrance should go all out with something grand and sweeping; with lace-up heels and a bold handbag, it’s a can’t-miss power outfit that works from the boardroom to the Oak Room.

If you want an up-to-date cape on a recession-era budget, the INC International Concepts Cropped Cable-Knit Capelet ($69) will give you the value you’re searching for. Its charcoal hue and texture make it perfect for pairing with contrasting materials, but for a minimalist style, just throw it over an all-black ensemble and you’re good to go.

Are you ready, get set … go shop for your capelet today!

Until the next adventure,
Monica the Urbanista

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