Boutique 9 Alanee Pump

Dear Girlfriends,

With the winter season in full gear {just was snowing in metropolitan DC last evening}; we are all ready for some color beyond the dull gray, brown and black some of us tend to wear during the winter months.  Instead try a pop of color on your feet this winter.  Its guaranteed to make you feel better – its a trend you will love and it’ll make you feel good as well.

Here are some vibrant heels to consider; have some fun!

Bring a pop of bright color to your looks with these fun Deviaate platform pumps from Steve Madden. In rich purple suede, they feature a stylish peep toe and ankle strap for a unique touch.

Steve Madden Fierse Pump

From Vince Camuto, a cool-blue heel and glacial-grey platform lift an icy-chic slingback pump.

Betty Pump by Gucci

Twinkling metallic accents spotlight the triple temptation of a mary-jane platform pump supported by a feminine wrapped heel.

Vince Camuto Mazin Pump

A dash of complementary color jolts across the concealed platform of a peep-toe pump set on an angled-cut heel for geometric glam.

A color-blocked platform and wrapped heel boost an architectural sandal structured with a crisply cutout vamp.

A wrapped heel and platform lift a round-toe pump shaped from high-gloss patent leather.

Jessica Simpson Evannan Platform

and wrapping these up!  I found this! Eye-catching flare at the back intensifies a precocious pump with a high hidden platform.

Girlfriends, don’t be blah this winter – embrace the season and give your feet something to smile about – you’ll be fab in colored pumps.

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

Dior Peep Toe Platform Pump

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}

Check out the latest from Silkies as the offer your smooth ways to shape up.

Enjoy Silkies this season!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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.

It’s time! It’s time to learn how to keep your legs stylish and warm this winter.

Silkies

We’ve discovered the best stocking stuffers well under $100.  We love these options;

This Little Piggy Went To Prada book: For the woman more accustomed to singing Missoni’s praises than singing lullabies comes Amy Allen’s ‘This Little Piggy Went to Prada: Nursery Rhymes for the Blahnik Brigade’. Filled with sumptuous full color illustrations by Eun-Kyung Kung, this book presents classic nursery rhymes with a thoroughly modern and charmingly ironic spin that will make the most sleepless fashionista mom smile. ($20)

This Little Piggy Went To Prada

Sugar Boudoir Candle: A throwback to the golden age of Hollywood. Perfect on a dressing table, nestled between her perfumes and potions. This clean-burning soy wax candle rests in a heavy cut-glass base and lid. A scent-dipped tassel finishes the exquisite piece. Burns for 60+ hours. ($40)

Sugar Boudoir Candle

Theodora Scarf: This gauze scarf features fringed ends. ($62)

Theodora Scarf

Lunares Stiletto Bookend: The perfect punctuation for a row of fashion tomes. Made of Lunares’s signature metal alloy, this bookend has a convincing weight and sleek lines. Natural nicks and texture make each piece unique. ($62)

Lunares Stiletto Bookend

Grapesicle Watch: This water-resistant watch features a flex silicone band and a tonal acrylic case. Adjustable length and buckle closure. Japanese movement.

Grapesicle Delancey Watch

Don’t hesitate this season and purchase these fab stocking stuffers today!

Until the next adventure,

Monica