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.

Recently we received the Metal Owl Stretch Ring from the Kardashian Kollection to review.  We must say its a bargain and is a fun cocktail ring to add to your “steal” collection at $15.40!

The trend of animal inspired cocktails rings has taken over the fashion accessory world.  You can find rings ranging in the high price bracket to the more affordable prices.  Today’s steal is the Kardashian Kollection Owl Stretch Ring from Sears.com. When we received the ring, the packaging was nice.  Ring was attached to a black velvet ring covering with the imprint Kardashian Kollection and we were easily able to cut off string attaching the ring and started wearing it. The stretch of the rings allows you to wear on any finger of  a freshly manicured hand. Though we only wore the ring for a two weeks during two separate holiday soirees, we received several compliments on the sparkle of the ring against the holiday lights and glamour of the evening.

Girlfriends, all-in-all if you are searching for a ‘steal’ and a costume jewelry piece, try the Owl Stretch ring this season!

Kardashian Kollection Metal Owl Stretch Ring

Note: I received samples from the searsStyle Kardashian Kollection to review as part of the Glam Trendsetter Program. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Sears.

Whether you are new mom or expecting mom, if you don’t  have a smartphone you will be lost.  When scheduling playdates, school activities and normal family life events, you will need to be ‘plugged in’ in order to stay on task, organized and hip.

With the ever changing technology available to us, if you aren’t kept in the loop – you will miss you.  Keeping track of your child’s life, schedule and after school activities help you to work smarter not harder.

“Disclosure: Compensation was provided by US Cellular via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of U.S. Cellular®”

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!

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

During winter your skin dries up painfully and irritating. Hydrate your skin is very important for looking younger and healthy beautiful skin. Skin may crack and peel during winter if you expose enough, and allowing the bacteria and germs inside your system.  Here are more on Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Oil for skin hydration and moisture!

Stay Hydrated This Fall

Cotton Twill Shorts

Wimbledon is here so it’s time to get in the summer spirit and celebrate with some gorgeous chic looks from Isabella Oliver 365.

Look the part in the beautiful Boat neck Breton Jumper or Breton Boyfriend Cardigan, both guaranteed to put you in the tennis trend. These stunning items are perfect for adding a bit of warmth as you enjoy the outdoors, and are designed to fit you perfectly leaving you looking elegant and stylish as well as comfortable.

The Cotton Twill Shorts will also add some elegance to your Wimbledon wardrobe by making you look and feel sophisticated. Designed in three of this season’s key colors, these shorts are incredibly versatile so you can team them with all your summer tops for instant winning style.

To view the latest 356 collection, simply visit www.IsabellaOliver365.com.