Dear Girlfriends:

Its August and soon to be September – already! As we transition from Summer to Fall one piece of clothing item you need during this transition is a pair of cargo pants.

Cargo pants are indeed making a comeback, what with the military-inspired trends we’re seeing this Fall.  What we love about cargo pants is that they’re a great substitute for khaki pants and the dark-rinse jeans you have in heavy rotation.  And they do work with a wide variety of looks.

Distinctive seaming adds dimension while perfecting the lean fit of stretch-twill cargo pants with cool, modern style.

Skinny Stretch Cotton Cargo

Could Calvin Klein Jeans’ cropped cargos be any cuter? Wear them rolled and buttoned or cinched with drawstring ties.

Loved for their unique, custom fit denim, Current/Elliott has been seen on fashionable celebs like Mandy Moore, Nicole Richie and Emma Roberts. After years of buying vintage denim and tailoring them to a more modern fit, Emily Current and Meritt Elliott, a.k.a. the styling team dubbed MAUDE, founded their own line of denim. Inspired by their vintage finds and bespoke fits, their collection ranges from the comfy boyfriend styles to slim bell bottoms in worn-in washes and custom fades.

Slouchy Skinny Cargo

The cargo goes upper class! In supple brushed-silk, this cropped cargo pant is fluid and flattering, glamorous and gorgeous. Cargo-carrying zipper pockets: two side, two front, and two back. Girlfriends, you can also consider the Tangier Banded Cargo Pant has a slouchy fit. Twill ribbon belt at waistband. Gromet, stud and zipper detail throughout.

Tangier Banded Cargo Pant

Girlfriends, these slouchy cargo pants feature slant hip pockets and studded button-flap side pockets. Tonal topstitching at button-flap back pockets and at knee. Adjustable button-tab at bottom hem. Single-button closure.

Army Cargo Pants

And finally, these slouchy print silk pants feature slant hip pockets and button-welt back pockets. D-ring strap closure and inverted pleat at flap side pockets. Ruching at front waistband and lace-up tie at notched back waistband. Adjustable single-button closure at bottom hem. 2-button closure at front.

Camo Cargo Pants

Don’t forget to channel your inner glamour girl.  Pair your favorite slim cargo pants with embellished tank and a pair of high heels and you will have a look perfect for Saturday night on the town.

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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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!

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Dear Girlfriends -

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

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Dear Girlfriends~

Is there anything that signifies summer more than a crisp white dress, t-shirt or accessory? NO, so simply put here are some favorite white dresses you can pick up for the season!

This scoop-neck cotton dress features a tonal jacquard check pattern and lace-trimmed top and bottom hems. Lace insets at bodice and ruching at empire waist. On-seam hip pockets. Adjustable spaghetti straps. Jersey slip-dress lining.

Strapless White Dress

After years of rummaging through the family attic and scouring the coastal thrift stores, Cheyann Benedict and Claire Stansfield of C&C California set out to make their own collection. The collection would be easy and wearable, yet certain to exude a laid back appeal. The line would offer the perfect pieces to be worn at almost any occasion, from shopping to bikinis to cocktails at sunset.

Mixed Lace Tank Dress

This embroidered cotton dress features piping at the quilted bodice. Sweetheart neckline and ruched waist. Exposed zip and smocked elastic panel at back.

Quilted Corset Dress

Wilt offers a collection of basics that are colorful, soft, and casual. Their slub jersey tees, dresses, and tanks are a favorite with ladies that like to stay comfortable, but remain stylish.

Tresha E Dress

So simply put a white dress is a must for the season!

Until the next adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends ~

I’ve been rocking the cocktail rings this season and don’t plan to stop!  In fact, I plan to step it up a notch even more!

Girlfriends let me tell you, the cocktail ring is the ultimate accessory to make an outfit shine.  This gold-plated cocktail ring features resin cabochons and two-tone rhinestones. Substantial bones and deep color make the Melinda Maria Grecian emerald cocktail ring perfect for leaders of the fashion pack. The empress cut gemstone glows in an 18K gold vermeil setting, and offers an extra layer of glitz with cubic zirconia detailing at the borders.

Add a splash of style to your ensemble with this on-trend cocktail ring. Features a vibrantly colored faceted bauble in a shimmering metallic setting.

Kenneth Jay Lane Ruby Dream Cocktail Ring is the ring of the season. A ruby colored German glass stone set in a 18K gold plated ring dotted with turquoise resin beads.

An oversized vibrant cocktail ring featuring large stone with contrast rhinestone studded frame and a emerald cut shape with multi-faceted surface.

Creating and wearing stylish cocktail rings that are modern, elegant and unique can easily be added to your collection!

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Dear Girlfriends ~

Faviana Bohemian

A summer dress isn’t a dress without the chic chiffon.  A summer dress featuring a halter neckline and low v-cut back; asymmetrical hem is the solution to an evening out on the National Harbour.  Bohemian flair takes on an elegant touch in a long Empire-waist silk maxi dress with mix-and-match prints.

Halter Dress

Tibi Halter Maxi Dress

Something as simple as this printed dress which blooms with bohemian charm.

Gauzy Dress

What can be better than being comfortable and chic?

Bohemian Gypsy Dress

Strapless Printed Dress

The bohemian-gypsy inspired pieces give off a playful, colorful, vibrant look. You will not want to take this piece off. It takes comfy to another level, while boosting your confidence to fun and flirty. These flowy gauzy dresses drape the body and make it look sexy and sultry, yet soft and feminine at the same time.  Or even this gauzy dress  which is very easy to travel with. Tie them in knots and they will come out of your suitcase in perfect condition!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends ~

A friend asked me about the color yellow for a spring soiree and I said of course!  Each year, yellow makes an appearance, brightening up a look here or there but rarely getting the center-stage attention it deserves.

I told her this season, that’s all changing because the sunny hue is a must-have in its own right. I told her to consider a jersey wrap dress which ties together a sexy, sunny look with a plunging v-neck, sleeveless, ties at waist and fit-and-flare ($65.00 sale). Or a breezy dress with flirtation from front to back ..fit-and-flare shape ($49.99 sale).

Convertible Dress

Yellow is the perfect complement to sun-kissed skin, but if you prefer to ease into this color trend, start small in the world of accessories. Throw a sunny tote over your shoulder for brunch with the girls, or pair that flirty little dress with yellow sandals or flats. 

Jersey Wrap Dress

Breezy Back Tie Dress

I even challenge you to be different and consider this tie dyed strapless jersey dress. Banded bodice with tie back, uneven hemline and it can be worn as a skirt or a dress ($108.00).

I’ve loved the look of this blouse for a long time.  It brings some pop to your everyday pencil skirt! A sumptuous silk goes bold this Spring in a range of bright hues. Inject color into your wardrobe with our Monogram blouse ($59.99 sale). Wear under a blazer for work or top off a Spring skirt for weekend engagements.  I’ve found an even more affordable blouse.  A lovely sheer chiffon blouse ($19.80) featuring a sleeveless construction with a ruffle trim, self neck-tie sash, an 8-button placket, and a finished bottom hem.

Silk Blouse

Once you’ve had a taste, branch out. Top crisp white denim with an airy yellow blouse, or dive into a goldenrod sundress. I think you’ll like it. 

Spring Floral Chiffon Blouse

And I can’t forget about the shoes!  Sandals this season are stylish and unique and yellow-inspired footwear is even more interesting.  Triple your luck with these rhinestone studded thongs by Charles David.  Or consider a wedge sandal with faux tortoise shell chainlink by Bandolino and their on sale! ($59.99)

Charles David Thong Sandals

Bandolino Wedge Sandal

This guarantee that all eyes are on us. Silk maxi dress with shirred bodice and bias overlay at bust featuring ruching at empire waist and smocked elastic banding at back.

Alice & Olivia Bodice Dress

Girls, the lemon tint has been neglected long enough. Charm Chat loves it in every shade, so find your favorite and add a little sunshine to your life.

 Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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