Dear Girlfriends:

Our look of the day is here!  Capelets can go in many different directions and completely elevate the style of a simple look. Depending on the fabric and style of the capelet, they can be worn in many different ways. Some simply work as an accessory, while others serve as outerwear on a cool day. Either way, you can be sure you’re pushing the fashion envelope when you step out in a capelet.

Fashionistas, a piece of outerwear made elegant, this double-breasted wool cape features 8 button details and 6 snap closures. On-seam hip pockets and lined.

Double Breasted Cape

This is a great way to cover up when you want something more elegant than a coat. In gorgeous monochrome it looks best over a fine knit polo or white shirt and slim leg pants. So chic!

Vivienne Westwood Cape

This cashmere-felt cape features a detachable shawl collar inlay at the notched collar. Single-button closure and vertical welt hip pockets. Inverted back pleat.  A classic trench style updated with a pretty ruffle trim and armholes for easy movement. 

Derek Lam Capelet

Burberry Trench Capelet

Choose how you want to wear your capelet. Are you shopping for a capelet for evening? For warmth? Examine your wardrobe and decide what looks you’d like to pair your capelet without before starting the shopping process.

Ultrasoft, densely knit capelet is topped with two tawny leather buckles just to the side of an easy, rolled neck.

Ralph Lauren Buckle Capelet

Girlfriends, take a look – this is HAUTE!  A whiskey dyed mink (made in Denmark). Featuring hidden hook-and-eye front closure and oversized back collar detail.

La Riorentian Ruffle Capelet

Don’t hesitate with a capelet!  Take the colors and textures of your existing wardrobe for inspiration in deciding what type of capelet you’d like to purchase.

Until the next adventure,

Monica

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Sophistication!

On Sunday August 23, 2009 at promptly 2:30 in the afternoon we dined on key lime cupcakes, green passion tea, custom-designed butter cookies, roasted red peppers sandwiches met with a taste of sophistication for the High Tea Party held at the Mandarin Oriental created by Lerkia Tidball of Savvy Soirees.  

An afternoon tea party is suitable for many celebrations!  At the High Tea Party, we had plenty of time to relax and enjoy each others style and able to share intimate conversations.  It didn’t matter what time, we were in the moment, this afternoon tea was a lovely event designed for women to shine.  Savvy socialites included Lerkia Lee-Tidball, Glam Stephens, Monica Byrd, Charys Williams, Aniya Dunkley, Alesha Armstrong, Pamela Adams, Bianka Adams, Tara Anderson, Monisha Harris, Terria Northern, Sonja Chase, Titilayo Ogunmakinwa, Marisa Dunmore, Lisa Gardner, Mercedes Fraizer, Alyssia McCain, Crystal Little and Aileen Vaughn. When these savvy socialites RSVP’d for the High Tea Party I am sure we all had the same style inspirations! 

High Tea Party

When planning your defined style for the tea party; the sophistication started with deciding on a dress.  Don’t be afraid to wear a dress in solid prints or colorful hues.  If you’re not sure about the temperatures indoors at the hotel grab your cropped jacket or light sweater as a coverlet in case its chilly inside the hotel.  When looking for the “other” pieces adding color is a must.  Hot pink, mustard yellow or red pumps would help give the outfit a little “kick” for a girly tea party.

Amazing bites at High Tea Party

Savvy Socialites

A finishing touch!

Chic cupcakes

Chic and fun!

Besides getting the dress you need to consider shoes, accessories and of course the hat. Have you always wanted a feminine touch and a finish just for you, you and you?  Don’t look any further.  A few key pieces that will add just a bit of innocence and chic attitude to your wardrobe is all you need.  Pieces such as pearl necklaces, your grandmother’s rhinestone and pearl brooch, a cocktail ring and crystal lucite bangles.  Ensure that you will be in style by combining your love for vintage, chic or a floral look with a modern twist!

All-in-all we had a tea time for this record books honored with tradition, refinement and elegance. 

Whatever your reason for attending your next tea party, enjoy a cup for me!

All the Savvy Socialites at Mandarin Oriental

 

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Dear Girlfriends ~

Yikes! A friend is going to a summer outing and looking for a summer hat and she’s “freaking out”.  No need to freak out. 

There are some amazing classic, casual and chic hats in lovely textures of linen, denim and cotton – sure to become standards for your spring-summer wardrobe.   A hat like this is PERFECT for everything from your favorite jeans to that breezy sundress. 

Let great style go to your head. In 100% paper straw (which means it’s very lightweight), this bendable brimmed hat is the perfect accent to your summer outfit ($64.00). This versatile summer hat will work with each and every one of your day looks. Shaped like a fedora but made from woven straw, it comes complete with wraparound band and colorful stripes. With lengthwise crease on top and short flat brim ($20.00).

Shaded Beauty Straw Hat

This summer version of the classic fedora from Hat Attack shows that you can bring your urban hipster style aesthetic with you to the beach. With lightweight woven raffia straw construction, this fedora features a string of chocolate and metallic beads to add even more shine to the sunniest days. Or get colorful with a zigzag trim the color of a summer beach winds this way and that around this bright-pink topper ($49.50).

Hat Attack Straw Fedora

Sandy Trails Hat

Girlfriends Fedora fever! This season, everyone is craving the classic style from the early 20th century. This neutral woven style, à la straw hat, comes equipped with brimmed silhouette and lengthwise crease on top. With wraparound ribbon and colorful stripes.  Striped, large brim style is easy, lightweight and perfect for traveling ($147.00).  A country-chic straw hat featuring a shapeable rolled brim and a skinny faux leather hatband with wooden bead trim.

Packable Floppy Hat

Valley Straw Hat

Light, casual and super-functional – wearing a summer hat is the easiest way to give an outfit a little attitude!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends ~

I’m here to tell you that its true – stylish and affordable sunglasses do exist!  A friend of mine wanted to give up and I told her no!  There isn’t a need to stop looking for affordable and stylish sunglasses. 

Feel free to shop shades in shapes that never go out of style, at prices that are old-school low.   Let’s just get right to it …

Get the timeless Wayfarer shape in candy colors with tonal lenses—they’re a playful accent to a bright bikini ($10.00).  Or go with the classic pair of aviators.  Classic plastic-framed aviator sunglasses with metal detailing, finished with contoured plastic-dipped arms and gradient tint lenses ($20.00).

Crystal Wayfarer Sunglasses

Plastic and Metal Aviators

Oversized vintage-inspired sunglasses with rounded half-frame styling. Finished with plastic-dipped contoured arms and gradient tint lenses ($16.00).  I love … love these oversized sunnies are a little bit Jackie O —set off the luxe silver-trimmed shades in the style of either icon with a lightweight scarf ($11.00).

Oversized Vintage Inspired

Jackie-O inspired

Plie into first position in these elegant swan lake sunglasses! Delicate metal arms will add a touch of softness to your look ($12.00)!   What about these!  OMG!  No need to always go neutral—these vivid violet shades are the perfect contrast to a bright romper ($26.00).

Swan Lake Sunglasses

Vivid Oversized Sunglasses

Girlfriends, my best advice to you is to shop around … look for ultra-refined sunglasses, look for a sophisticated yet distinctive pair of sunglasses, look for vintage glamour with a certain sophistication! 

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends,

Warm weather is upon us and that means that it’s time to head for the water. Girlfriends, soon your inbox will be filled with invitations to cookouts, beach soirees and poolside parties as well as evening cocktails. How do you pack for fun in the sun then make the transition to drinks and dinner?

Here is a quick guide to pack the ultimate day-to-night bag:

First, make sure that your “beach” bag is fabulous and something you don’t mind toting with you all day. Leave the canvas bags for grocery shopping! A summer statement in straw with copper, cocoa and clementine satin blossoms–it’ll carry your look.

Flower Basket Straw

You’ll need something to read while you’re relaxing. Stash a copy of The Little Black Book of Style in your tote for the perfect beach or poolside read.

The Little Black Book of Style

Slip your 7 for All Mankind White Roxanne Jeans on under your caftan for flattering daytime-to-evening style. A Diane von Furstenberg caftan acts as a brilliant cover-up by day. At night, put on a white tank, toss the caftan into your bag, throw on a chunky necklace with multi-strands and you’ll have the ultimate in simple evening chic.

White Jeans

Paisley Caftan Dress

Pack a pair of jeweled or fringed sandals for day but don’t forget the heels, diva! Stash a gorgeous pair of tribal or chic platform wedges or sandals at the bottom of your bag for a quick chic upgrade!

Fringe Flat Sandals

Crochet Platform Sandals

Keep your money, cards, keys, essential cosmetics in a fabulous clutch so when it’s time to move into the evening with style, you’re already properly glam and accessorized!

Girlfriends if you follow at least one of these tips; we are sure you will have a flawless transition from lounging to chic dining in no time flat.

Until the next adventure,

Monica

Pink Straw-Inspired Clutch

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Dear Girlfriends -

If you’re on the East Coast this weekend you were met by warm temps and the beaming sun.  And I am sure a few of you ran to get a pedicure (I hope) Saturday morning before you “donned” your thong sandals. 

I was telling my friend on Sunday, these days there are so many options for wearing thong sandals.  She completely agreed with me.

Thong sandals come in a wide variety of different materials, feature different heel types and heights, and can be quite extravagant — in fact, you can even find women’s evening shoes that also happen to be thongs! Yes its true. 

Let’s go on a journey together in search of the perfect thong!  We can start with the sling-backed thong sandal with ruffled fabric on straps. Next try a leather thong sandal with T-strap and stud detail throughout.  Girls, if you prefer something with a little more bling and the wedge look.  Try a metallic thong sandal with a jeweled T-strap and covered 2″ wedge.

If you are into more color and frills girlfriend you may want to go to Barney’s and try this one one.  A satin thong sandal with jewels and grosgrain bows t-strap, closed back and adjustable ankle strap.  Go traditional with an ankle thong sandal in silver, gold, black or white and a simple pattern.   Do I have any girlfriends daring to be different?  Fashion-forward yet completely walkable? Looks like we’ll be living in this style.  Look at the suede thong sandal with layered ruffles at upper and buckle closure at ankle strap.

Don’t be afraid!  Add a splash of color to your step with this gorgeous thong sandal from Tibi. Crafted in glimmery metallic leather, the upper features a diamond-shaped shield detail on the vamp with an underlay of pretty pastels.

Ankle Thong Sandal

Girls, take a look at these!  These will up the style quotient of any simple sundress. Metallic leather thong sandal with double buckled straps at ankle.

If you really want the chic gladiator style; slip into the boho-chic style of these suede hooded thong sandals with adjustable leather criss-cross straps with a side buckle closure that scrunch up the hooded ankle, a back zipper closure and a slight stacked heel. You won’t go wrong! 

Free People Sandals

Another colorful option I told my friend to pick up for her trip to Barbados this Spring.  A pair of leather thong sandal with studding on footbed, colorful details and an ankle strap with buckle and zipper closure in back for perfect fit.

Studded T-strap Thong

Gladiator w/Color Thong Sandal

Remember have fun with thongs this season and schedule your pedicure appointment soon!  Well I hope I’ve been able to take you on a journey to your next Thong Sandal Shopping Spree!

Until the next adventure,

Monica

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A girlfriend called me at this evening and was super excited that her college friends’ wedding is almost here – in two weeks!  But help, she doesn’t know what to wear.

I told her when deciding what to wear to a Spring wedding think of a way to have glitz & glam with color.  If you plan to wear a royal purple sheath dress pair it with fuschia peep toe pumps and a clutch and finish off with wooden bangles – perfect!

First I would start with a dress, of course!  If you start with a chic dress yet a simple shift dress spices it up with a captivating look. Girlfriends get into the mix with an affordable and chic dress and add accessories in jewel or wooden tones.

Twist Back Dress

Parabolic T Dress

Origami Pleated Dress

As I told her one of the season’s standout trends is the profusion of eye-popping colors, for a Spring wedding all you have to do is follow in the stylish footsteps of these suggestions. Bring intense magenta into the bright shade with individual pieces. Such as wearing a double dip of accessories with the dress. My favorite version of this look comes in mustard yellow, pewter gold or royal purple.

Adorable with dresses or denim, these Tiered Peep Toe Platforms feature a tiered fabric construction, peep toe and 4″ stiletto heel. Paint the “town and the wedding” red in this sexy fashion forward sandal.  Or a dreamy pair of high-heeled sandals. These feminine satin heels are perfect for that special occasion.  Bold babes only–step to this hot slingback from Chinese Laundry, this style also has the confident heel and pert platform to put you heads above the crowd.

High Ankle Satin Pump

Tiered Peep Toe Platforms

Layered Platform Sandal

Chinese Laundry Patent Sandals

When she asked about accessories, I told her try three strands of pearly purple shell with embossed metal beads, rosy frosted glass, and acrylic accents–all floating in tonal harmony on barely-three illusion wire.  If she’s planning to wear a deep pink dress top off your classy-chic look with a multiple faux pearl strand necklace.  Like bands of cloud backlit by the sun, these strands of peach facets warm vacant horizons – like those above strapless dresses.

Bauble Necklace

Faux Pearl Necklace

Stranded Necklace

Skystone Necklace

Well after spending a few hours with her and going through her closet, I’m done!  She decided on a Spring wedding outfit similar to this collaboration!

The Dress

The Bracelet

Open Toe T-strap Pump

Isn’t see glam?

Girlfriends and fashionistas think change of color this Spring and when dressing for a wedding or special occassion. Color – the precisely perfect style tip to perk up your spring and summer dresses.

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Fashionistas ~ I know we are all waiting (if you’re on the East or West Coast) and ready for Spring and Summer to really get here!  Enough of the 40s and 50s – we want 80!  Most people especially the glam-conscious have a favorite color but you may not know how to incorporate it into your wardrobe.  Am I right? 

If you know how to wear color clothing, there are easy and inexpensive ways to brighten your look and make yourself appear more approachable! 

Try combining contrasting colors together. Try different shades until you get a look you like. 

Colorful Cardigan Combo

Cardigan Coordinates for Spring

Add bursts of color through your accessories. A plain outfit will get more personality when you add a red handbag or yellow shoes.  

A Yellow Cardigan Option

Invest in great pieces, such as a well-cut red trench coat, an apple-green colored blazer or hot pink boots. Such items are funky yet still classic, so you will have them forever.

Kimono Orange Dress

and fashionistas please don’t forget to combine stuff  you already own in “new ways”.  Think an orange cardigan with a pink skirt!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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