Dear girlfriends,

As I was riding the train home this evening, I saw a commuter with red shoes and jeans and thought that was pretty hot and sexy on a rainy Wednesday evening.  After a longs day work and with a few thoughts of my own, I know that wearing purple with dark denim or white jeans this Spring will be even hotter!

My beauty and style persona is looking forward to exploring the purple shoe with you.  Don’t be afraid to paint the town red in this sexy fashion forward sandal. Layered platform sandal with leather and fabric combination on a wood heel and platform sole.

Purple Wooden Platform

When you get bored of all the options that you have in your wardrobe and want to add some interesting yet smart options to it, purple may be a color worth considering. Even though the first thought that may come to your mind while reading this is that the I am out of his mind, read on and think again. Many of you are choosing to adopt the unconventional purple because it makes an elegant and strong fashion statement.

You’re sure to turn heads when you strut out in these sexy sandals.

Gypsy Purple Wedge

Fashionista slide into Pelle Moda’s Ivania for a hot, luxe look. Its suede and snake-print fabrication has a richness you’ll love, but the flirt factor hasn’t been forgotten: The high heel and metallic-accented platform make it sexy, too.  A beautiful grosgrain bow centers a playful sandal accented with tonal rhinestones along the narrow satin straps.

Blush Sandal

Lace-up Platforms

Be totally trendy in this patent-finished sling-back, also featuring contrast stitching and wedge platform.

Slingback Sandals

Some of us prefer, something with a little more comfort.  A blossoming flower atop a triple-strap slide designed with a molded footbed for comfortable wear.

Flower Sandal

Remember girls, the color purple is beautiful and chic.  Wear if well and don’t be afraid!  Happy accessorizing! I’d love to see a photo of your purple-shoes-accented outfit!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Hi ladies!

When dressing this morning for work and deciding what to “really” wear to work today knowing the weather was going to be mid-60s I knew I wanted to wear a dress but what about what’s underneath.

Wearing lace tops and camisoles are perfect combinations for the “underneath” coverage. Go ahead get a hip length cami. Wear it under your favorite tops. It’ll look great as it camouflages lumps and bumps!  Or if you are a bit more designer sensitive like a few of my friends, Ed Hardy Intimates collection features vibrant, tattoo-inspired styles. It’s the definition of ”Los Angeles hip” and you can have it right now.

Hip Length Tank

Ed Hardy Flirt Cami

I think everyone will have their favorites and brands but you can never go wrong with deciding what the “underneath” should be.  Modern print meets delicate feminine detail, in a fit that’s unbelievably soft and perfectly stretchy.  Sultry silk satin with a touch of delicate lace, this beautiful ‘Fifi’ triangle camisole is sure to please any fashionistas look or budget.

Travelers Geo Cami

Chocolate Silk Lace Cami

I also enjoy wearing a cami with fitted jeans and a crop jacket for errands on a Saturday.  Its your choice and there’s so much to choose from this season.  I want everyone to consider pairing camis and adding to your fashion closet.  Don’t forget a cami can be a drifting cloud of jersey trimmed with a ruffle and topped with a silky ribbon halter.

Cami and Ribbon

I’m ready … are you?  All the camis are great for layering. Don’t forget to layer with the chic in mind!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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On Sunday as I prepared for church and knowing it was going to be nice weather outside in the waiting-for-real-Spring weather vibe hit me, I wanted to rediscover what it was like to dress up! I absolutely love dresses! I was even motivated to clean out my closet, transition it into Spring before the weekend was over.

Two hours and 6 trash bags later I finished my closet! Goodwill will be extremely happy with my donations.

While rediscovering my dress-fascination I found these to be equally appealing.  For an afternoon brunch with the girls, a dress envisioned with hills of gold embroidery and watery ikat patterns gild gauzy indigo voile can add some chic to you wardrobe! A silken sash adds subtle gleam. And for a real-spring appeal try a dress of leafy grove of silk twill, scattered with bright pink tulips and grass-green buttons.

One Hundred Summits Dress

Underwood Shirtdress

I’ve been looking for a dress to pair with a spring trench coat.  This leek and sexy strapless dress in smooth stretch cotton with a A-line silhouette is the one for you and me!

Strapless Belted Floral Dress

A cool cotton dress with beautiful embroidery and eyelet detail is another dress I would enjoy to wear with a pair of mocha patent leather cork heels!

Cotton Eyelet Dress

I know that I’m not the only fashionista out there in the Washington, D.C. area who is ready for the Spring season to officially hit! I’m so ready to toss my coat in the cleaners for winter hibernation … aren’t you?  Well the fun doesn’t stop here, I have a few more to share with you.  I’m just trying to get you in the right mindset.  (smile)

A dress is suppose to wake you up and make you feel vibrant.  A knit babydoll dress features deep double V-neckline with tiered ruffle trim, ribbon tie back and burnout paisley detail throughout.

Knit Babydoll Dress

Be adorable in a mexican print dress. Silk mini dress has flutter sleeves and an aztec inspired screen print on front. I’ll love the dress all season long especially this Spring!

Mexican Print Dress

I’m ready to rediscover the joy of dressing up!  Do you want to join me?

Until the next adventure,

Monica

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As I anticipated this weekend and a relaxing Sunday afternoon I am happy to say!  “Its officially Spring” and what better way to get Spring ready than to clean out your closet and plan your wardrobe for this season.  After you’ve gotten rid of winter and fall wear that you never wore be certain that this Spring you have to mix it up!

Pure colors pop with white jeans.  Wear ethnic touches, chic colors and add a pair of hot shoes.

A good place to start with a buffalo embroided blouse.  This blouse is a colorful embroidery accenting the shoulder straps and splitneck of this cotton voile blouse, also featuring an inverted front pleat and two patch pockets.

Buffalo Embroided Blouse

There are so many pops of color you can choose from!  Anything from yellow to orange to blue!  Candy colors are brighter and better than ever this Spring.  Fashionistas make a decision to live a color-rich Spring!  I would even add this color to my collection … any shade of purple.

I told my fashionista friends that I’m out to create the perfect lifestyle assortment for the chic, hip, modern girl – from the ultimate ballerina flat to the perfect pump, and then some.  Wearing a punch of color with white creates a collection of understated elegance!

Confetti Sleeve Blouse

After window shopping this weekend I saw a lot of blue in the window displays from royal blue, deep blue to blue crush.  An electric blue kimono top is a retro-sexy style with a refined sensibility.  Showing a slinky fine-knit top with crossover V at neck and back.

Kimono Sexy Top

A splash of pink passion for a stylistically retro feeling can show in your stunning fashion choices and in your closet this season. You can never go wrong with pink!  I would even pick a gathered front sleeveless blouse in hot pink.

Gathered Front Sleeveless Blouse

Fashionistas I feel I owe you more …

An orange four layered cami top offers a silk layered look!

Four Layer Camisole

A tie shoulder sleeve sexy bodysuit – a perfect top for the Spring!

Tie Shoulder Bodysuit Top

A beautiful georgette silk shows up in a bold, global-inspired print showing puff sleeves and a blousy fit!

Silk Printed Georgette Blouse

A floral top with white jeans is also a chic collaboration.  A floral-print silk blouse with a gathered elastic banding at scoop neckline needs to be added to your closet!

Painted Flower Top

And while we all should get a pair of white jeans to go with any of the tops I mentioned today don’t forget to pair a pop of color with your pumps!  You’ll be undeniably feminine!

I’ll see you soon . . . stayed styled!

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Dear Fashionistas;

I was walking the other day when the high was 68 degrees, on my stroll to Borders Books & Music. I felt the sun and started to get EXCITED about the change of season approaching us (hopefully by next month). I started thinking that I need to get my fashion wardrobe in gear, and what better way than with one of the best sandals! The Spring and Summer calls for hot pedicures and sandals – - – wedge sandals, to be exact!

These versatile shoes go with the short skirts and denim jeans! You can even wear them with your strapless dresses, and even your jersey dresses. With all the style options nowadays, some wedge sandals have extra room on the sides of the heel for bursts of color. And get this, since there’s extra material under your foot as opposed to a stiletto heel, you’re less likely to injure yourself. The wedge sandals’ heel will be steadier, more comfortable and you’ll be less likely to lose your balance and possibly twist your ankle. Not to mention you get the sexy calves heels offer, with less pain. But as far as heels and fashion go, the wedges are a good bet. They’re stylish, yet easy to walk in.

Since wedge sandals are the shoes of choice for Spring/Summer, shoe lines are offering quite a few styles to choose from! Here are a few examples:

Get into the swing of things with these dazzling sandals. Smooth patent leather upper in a dress casual platform wedge strappy slingback sandal style with a rounded open toe and multiple criss crossing front straps.

Disco patent wedge, patent leather high heel sandals. Ankle strap. Silver-tone buckle. Decorative cutout detail. Open toe design. Covered platform wedge heel.

Delight in the breathtaking beauty of the delectable wedges by Charles David. Mesh elastic fabric upper in a slingback dress wedge sandal style with a round open toe.

The fun and floral “trophy wife wedges” offer a 4″ wedge and a 1″ platform. Man-made materials by Sugar.

Fabulous … wedges are a must-have this season! Tortoiseshell patent leather, fine topstitching and patent ankle straps with golden buckle. Metallic grained leather lining and padded insole and treaded rubber sole.

Colorblock suede sandal with seam detail at vamp and buckle closure at ankle strap. 1.5″ covered platform, 4.25″ covered wedge heel and rubber sole.

Wedge sandals will definitely get you noticed. Just use good sense when you wear them, and try not to wear them day after day. Enjoy the beautiful styles found everywhere from Payless to Nordstrom.

Until the next style adventure,
Monica the Urbanista

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Dear Fashionistas,

If you’re not into wearing a bulky sweater or a tailored cardigan to go with your denim jeans, consider a floaty, silky or flirty blouse to pair with the skinny jeans.

Jazz up jeans with these chic and fabulous looks for a change of pace.

A lantern sleeve ruffle top; this woven top of polished shadow stripe fabric. Short standing collar. Three-button placket with self-fabric covered buttons and button loops. Applied self-fabric ruffle on either side of placket. Ruching detail at bust. Self-fabric empire waist with ruching detail below. Ruching detail at shoulders. 3/4 sleeves. Applied self-fabric band at cuffs. Flared cuffs. A-line silhouette. Hidden side zip. $29.99

This beautifully made hammered satin cross strap tank has roushing across the top and is made of 100% silk. $74.00

Inspired by the beauty of an open pomegranate fruit with its seeds exposed. This print is supposed to be reminiscent of the two open halves. Set on a midnight silk background, the freesia color of the print is soft and feminine. The marigold inspired color is perfect for daytime. This simple shirt silhouette is accented with a subtle center pleat in a luxurious silk. The key to this shirt is its versatility. It can be worn as easily with black pants as with a pair of your favorite jeans. $89.00

Print silk-charmeuse blouse with ruching at scoop neck and inverted pleating at front. Tie at waist and zipper closure at back. Pleating at cuffs. Long sleeves and lined. $89.40

Basic Boutique can’t get enough of newcomer Parker! We’re loving these simple styles in your not so ordinary prints. The Parker blouse is a staple piece that no girl should be without. $145.00

Tiers of soft, layered ruffles adorn the front of a textured top with a trend-conscious exposed back zip closure. $198.00

Front princess seaming perfects the fit of a sheer silk chiffon blouse with a cascading ruffle down the center front, concealing the buttons below. An separate tank-style cami provides opaque coverage. $198.00

Everything from sweet and romantic blouses to textured silk its a lavish and lovely look to pair your jeans with any of these blouses.

Until the next adventure,
Monica the Urbanista

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DC Shopping Examiner: Belted: How to wear a belted dress or belted blouse

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My girlfriends and I were, of course, interested in trying the new Cover Girl Queen Collection, designed by Queen Latifah and her personal make-up artist, Roxanna Floyd. This collection has been designed to give women of color make-up that truly flatters our wide range of skintones. Let me tell you, I think the Queen has achieved her goal.

The Natural Hue Compact Foundation is fabulous. It’s lightweight, but creamy in texture. Yet it still manages to stay on all day without leaving your face looking like an oil slick. The mirrored compact is small and portable and it comes with a sponge that you can use to apply the foundation. I found the foundation to be blendable and sheer enough to look natural, yet substantial enough to even out the skin. I am quite impressed with the formulation and how elegant it looks and feels – it is a great affordable option for women who still want to look polished, without breaking the bank.

To learn more about the Cover Girl Queen Collection.

Until the next style adventure,
Monica the Urbanista

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