Dear Girlfriends ~

Are you crazy about colossal cuffs as much as I am?  I’ve learned to pair a bold piece of arm candy into everyday outfits and especially now during the holidays and all the festivities!  Its simply a matter of adding a piece without overdoing it.  To get an idea of how to show off your bold arm candy properly consider these style options.

An exquisite grey shagreen cuff creates a perfect perch for a jeweled sterling silver bug encrusted with rubies, sapphires, green agates and crystals. Because each piece is handcrafted by an artisan, expect yours to have subtle nuances all its own.

Shagreen Cuff

Inspired by tropical islands and exotic locales, this statement piece sets the style for your total look. Gold-tone intricate design with brilliant coral-colored stones for an unforgettable bracelet.  Girlfriends, consider this handmade brass cuff as a style option. A high polished metal cuff bracelet featuring a faux leather top with sewn-down faceted studs.

This option offers a wide cuff featuring agate stone front and hammered texture detail.

Adia Kibur Gold Jewel Cuff

Stud Metal Cuff

Handmade Brass Cuff

Still not sure how to begin? 

Agate Stone Cuff Bracelet

Amp up your rock-chic kudos with Halston’s studded blue suede cuff. Wear this sensational style with a floor-skimming gown to bring Studio 54 glamour to every look.

Stud Embellished Cuff

Gold Plated Cuff

Girlfriends, a collectible cuff that our jewelry designer took ages to perfect–a layered look in gold-plated metal designed to dress up your wrist.

Beaded Cuff Bracelet

Maria Cuff

A bold piece of arm candy can one day be your favorite accessory! A piece that pops on in a flash and transforms whatever you are wearing into a work of art!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends -

With a smaller budget for a lot of Americans currently in this bad economy, you should consider buying items that do not change depending on your weight such accessories.

Adia Kibur Gold Jewel Cuff

Faux Pearl Necklace

We are all experiencing budget control and frugal shopping, for the everday fashionista (including you and I) we should consider adding accessories as a staple item to our basic wardrobe this year.

Ciel Stars Scarf

Shredded Tube Scarf

With a lot of fashionistas on a tighter budget, try to purchase items to accessorize the clothing that you already have, instead of buying new clothes.

Girlfriends, accessories may be scarves which are very popular currently and not very expensive, belts, and jewelry. Unique costume jewelry may be bought for a little investment and can totally bring life back to an old outfit that has been in your closet for a while . And just like shoes, jewelry and accessories always fit no matter what your size is!

Vintage Glam

Shilo Necklace

Patent Skinny Belt

Girlfriends, this season do not worry about your tighter budget or your increasing weight and spend your money on handbags, shoes and accessories. You bank account and self esteem will be more thankful when you do, rather than having to buy more clothing this year and you will look fabulous too.

I’ll turn you into a frugalista soon enough!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends -

With Thanksgiving around the corner, we are officially in what I call “sparkle territory.” It starts to seem like we have some party, event or function every other day…family gatherings, holiday parties, fundraisers, New Year’s Eve celebrations, and more.

And for each of those, we always want to feel a little extra festive, a little more “dressed,” and be a little over-the-top with our sparkly jewelry.  It’s easy to get caught up in doing one of two things (or even both!) without intending to.

Girlfriends, oversize earrings add instant glamour to any party dress. Get noticed this season by trading your daintier chandeliers for strong sparkly hoops for a bold and modern look.  Statement chandelier earring feature pearl, disc, and bead drop detail. Earring falls 5 inches from hook closure.

WA Studios Silver Treasure

Pearl Drop Chandelier Earrings

Statement cuff features multi rhinestone front and metal cast hinged back.  Short mesh bib necklace features sequin, bead, and stone detail. Necklace falls 17 inches from adjustable clasp closure.

Embellished Hinged Cuff

Embellished Mesh Bib Necklace

Multicolor resin stones are bold and dramatic adorning the front of this goldtone statement necklace. 17″ long, with toggle closure.

NY Damiana Statement Necklace

We’ve been known to go overboard in decorating. Take, for instance, the holiday bow. More than just a topper to the perfect present, it’s a delightful decoration we’re wearing everywhere. Case in point, this statement necklace, featuring three tiers of brilliant bows, anchored together with shiny gold-plated hardware.

Bow Triple Strand Necklace

Girlfriends, we heart this statement ring. Large acrylic and metal flower ring with rhinestones at center.  The perfect statement cocktail ring for the winter. The light weight acrylic glass is coated with an ebony effect. Glittering multi-coloured crystals set using the Pointiage® technique create an eye-catching contrast.

Ginseng Ebony Ring

Swell Heart Ring

I have of course compiled some ideas as “do’s” for your holiday jewelry purchases. These also make spectacular gifts that’s a lot of sparkle for very little money. So check out these bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings…and a few styling tips to go with them!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends -

Nowadays we all want to wear an accessory that stands out – and one such accessory is an ornate bracelet or bangle.

Bangles are making a comeback and are fierce!  I’m seeing them everywhere – from my favorite little boutiques to big department stores. They are easy and simple to wear, but make a style statement.

Girlfriends, there are tips on how to choose and wear bangles, en vogue:  Bangles are a fantastic way to inject color into your outfit. Wearing a simple black shift and heels? Slip on a vivid bangle such and a boring outfit will immediately be brought to life!

A sizable chunk of faceted smoky quartz has been polished for a fantastic shine. The smoky quartz, which measures 1 inch wide on your wrist, is wire wrapped to a slender silver bracelet. The bracelet opens on one side of the stone for easy application to your wrist. Unique slatted cuff bracelet embellished with large jewel beads.

Max and Chloe Bracelet

Jeweled Slatted Bracelet

Fashion pearls and Swarovski crsytal floral design cuff. Vintage silver toned optic.  Girls I love this one!  Gold toned bracelet with leaf detailing and stone cuffs. Textured surface. Double flex hinges. Pink rectangle stone stretch wristwear by Freedom at Topshop 100% Metal.

Jeweled Leaf Bracelet

Jeweled Flower Cuff

Rectangle Stretch Bracelet

Girlfriends and fashionistas around, this is a must-have for your accessory wardrobe.  A chilled glass jewels frost your wrist.

Bits of Ice Bracelet

Hammered rose gold and antique silver faceted bangle with braided gold detailing throughout. This metallic faux leather bracelet features crystal and bead details. Elastic insets and adjustable 2-snap closure at ends. 7.5″ long. 2″ wide.

Faceted Bangle

Leather Cuff

Being fabulous with an ornate bracelet is simple.  Girlfriends we can make it our personal quest to create the perfect pair of flattering and fabulous.

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends:

This season don’t forget to strut your stuff in spiky heels!  Its not all about boots this season … when going out for a night with the girls or dinner with your man, you can take the trend to classic rock ‘n roll. 

The prickly pumps are all about classic in the front and rock ‘n’ roll in the back. Keep the spikes a showstopping surprise by wearing the shoes with a feminine mini.

Shop the steal ‘n’ splurge below! I’ve found several affordable options for that extra punch in your wardrobe and it’ll be the one pair of pumps you can have fun with while enjoying the price.

A fierce anklet and an aggressive platform meet to create the Dollhouse Abril studded suede pump. Wear it with jeans or dresses, to parties or picnics … if you dare ($39.95).

Dollhouse Abril Studded Platform

Rock out in this amazing heels! Featuring a solid upper with a peep toe, stud detail on the straps and a 3/4″ platform with a 4″ heel ($29.50).

Studded Strap Peep Toe

Stud-trimmed pump. 4″ heel; 1/2″ platform. Leather-look. Imported. As seen in Life & Style magazine ($39.00).

Stud Trimmed Pump

Add a bit of an edge to your great look with this pump. Featuring a solid upper with stud detail, covered 1″ platform and 4.5″ heel ($12.99).

Style with an attitude. These juniors’ Candie’s dress heels will enliven any ensemble. Faux-suede upper with studded accents offers edgy appeal an elasticized Mary Jane strap secures the perfect fit ($29.00).  Or Show off your wild side with this Urban Vibe bootie. Featuring a faux suede upper with a peep toe, stud detail and a bow sling back. Heel measures 4.5″ tall with a 1″ platform ($29.50).

Candie's Alona Dress Heels

Stud Front Bootie

Go for a rock chic look with this Studded Booties featuring a matte faux leather, round stud details, peep toe, 4″ covered cone heel with an interior platform, elastic side panel, and a lightly padded insole. Faux leather upper and rubber sole ($29.99).

Studded Booties

And finally consider going for a high shoe with studded cross over straps. Heel approx 3″.

SOKO Studded High Shoe

Girlfriends, go for it when its “going out” time. Don’t be afraid to step up and step out and add some rock flair to your outfit.

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends -

Its perfectly ok for you to wear bold cardigans to work this Fall and Winter season. 

If you are one of the fashionistas who likes to switch it up every now and then, the new business chic swaps restrained suit jackets for spirited sweaters. Crewneck or V-neck, worn open or closed, solid or patterned—these lively knits look both approachable and office-appropriate. Plus, they’re comfortable!

Layer this Argyle Cropped Cardigan featuring an argyle print fabric, solid ribbed knit trim, scoop neck, snap button closures, and half sleeves. Size medium has a shoulder-to-bottom hem length of 17″. 

Cropped Argyle Cardigan

Complete your look with our sleeveless sweater cardigan featuring an argyle pattern with miniature cut-out trimming. Other features include a 6-button placket, a full ribbed back, and a finished ribbed bottom hem.

Argyle Sleeveless Cardigan

Tommy Hilfiger Laurent Cardigan

Desiree Argyle Cardigan

Designer Tracey Reese gives us a softly hued argyle patterns a lightweight knit cardigan designed with a deliberately oversized silhouette and longer length.

Tracey Reese Boyfriend Cardigan

As seasons change, so does your wardrobe. But it doesn’t have to be as drastic as you think. Autumn Cashmere offers great cotton and cashmere blends that will keep you stylish all year through.

Autumn Cashmere Cardigan

An argyle print in black, white and red is sophisticated and office appropriate.

Classic Argyle Cardigan

These diamonds will be your best friend.  This argyle sweater comes in several color combinations - try one this Fall!

Gauge Argyle Cardigan

Fashionistas, argyles are an easy way to update your look. And the best part of all is that it is comfortable — nothing is as comfortable and/or easier to wear than a sweater on cold days. It’s important to note that comfort is what makes certain trends a staple and so much more enjoyable to wear various occasions!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends ~

I’ve seen the leggings for the season and I’m sure you have too!  Our next question is “how to wear the season’s leopard, paisley and tie-dye leggings?”

A solid cardigan paired with liquid leggings or print-inspired leggings and a white tank looks surprisingly tame and unbelievably chic.

From Ella Moss, the something extra-wild for your rock-chick repertoire, these zebra-striped jersey leggings feature a 3/4″ covered elastic waistband. And these a pop art twist, these leopard-print leggings feature seam detail and a 3/4″ waistband from Diane von Furstenberg.

Ella Moss Zebra Leggings

Diane von Furstenberg Printed Leggings

Girlfriends check out these from Sass & Bide, a strong contender for Sexiest Leggings, these metallic jersey leggings feature a zebra print. Smocked elastic banding at seams. 3/4″ covered elastic waistband. Or David Lerner’s tie-dye!  A modern take on retro inspiration, these tie-dye jersey leggings feature a covered elastic waistband.

David Lerner Tie-Dye

‏These feather-print silk-jersey leggings feature a covered elastic waistband and hidden side zip.

Feather Printed Leggings

And of course we can’t forget Juicy!  A haute rebel look with a motorcycle jacket and slouchy tee, these tie-dye denim leggings feature back darting and a 2″ waistband.

Juicy Couture Denim Leggings

A simple black and white leopard print works against a black top with a Balenciaga black leather jacket and bag and the fabulous black military style boots! Love this hot look!

Once you decide how to pair the leggings (with simply a white tunic and ankle booties) everyone will be saying “doesn’t she look hot!”?

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends ~

Take a walk on the wild side this fall with hot spots!  This season a leopard-inspired bag is a must-have for carrying.  Pair your leopard bag with tunic/leggings combinations or jeans and sweater combo. 

Valentino Leopard Print Hobo

La Regale Sequin Leopard Clutch

Girlfriends, there is a lot to choose from.  Betsy Johnson gives us a leopard hair calf handheld with lipstick turnlock.

Betsy Johnson Handheld Leopard

Go bold with this shockingly stylish bag from Rampage. It combines hues and textures–including a little shot of leopard-print haircalf–in a pretty, slouchy-but-structured design.

Rampage Leopard Tote

Don the haute look of this leopard-print haircalf tote with patent leather trim from AK Anne Klein, featuring dual shoulder straps, a metal top-zip closure, a square lion logo plate, an exterior front slip pocket with magnetic closure and interior cell phone, open and zipper pockets. 

Anne Klein Perfect Leopard Tote

Fashionistas, I  adore the fresh, contemporary look of Charles David’s Zelda clutch. It features haircalf with trimmings of polished and lizard-print leathers in a pretty, high-style combination of colors.

Charles David Zelda Clutch

Head Downtown with a look that fits the scene and a bag to match. This Jessica Simpson tote is featured in faux leather with cool texture, attitude-filled slouch, and stud detailing. Add the long strap when your hands are busy with other tasks.

Jessica Simpson Downtown Tote

Girlfriends, now that you have the style scoop on one of the best bags for fall – the leopard bag, stay tuned for the next bag you need to carry this Fall!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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