Dear Girlfriends,

I discovered that its never to late for wearing white … you just have to pair it with black and contrasting is a BIG part of the story! 

Styiling tips for wearing black and white are here, fashionistas we can start here!  This strapless polka-dot silk jumpsuit features a sweetheart neckline and gathered elastic banding at the top hem and empire waist. On-seam hip pockets.

DVF Marron Jumpsuit

Let’s consider some of these options:

This double-breasted stretch-wool tuxedo jacket features a 2-button closure and a satin shawl collar. Welt bust pocket and welt hip pockets. Pointed hem at front and tuxedo tails at back. Satin trim at cuff slit.

Conductor's Jacket by Haute Hippie

Girlfriends, this draped, star-print top features a V neck and racer back. Inverted front pleat.  This necklace features distressed gold-plated, silver-plated, and black discs. Assorted gold-plated beads at lobster-claw clasp.

Sao Paolo Tank

Elastic Belt Skirt

This silk skirt features a wrap detail and an asymmetrical hem. Contrast elastic banding and pleating at waist.  A timeless style in an on-trend animal print, these zebra-print haircalf booties feature a covered elastic inset at the inner side and vertical suede banding at the back.

Zebra Pipe Cover Pumps

A street-chic version of a functional style, this oversized, print PVC handbag features a resin logo plate and snap side gussets. Enameled hardware.

LAMB Tote

Again don’t be afraid to try this pairing … simply black and white!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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High Waist Straight Leg Jeans

Dear Girlfriends ~

On Saturdays we all have places to go, things to do and people to see.  Saturday is a day of running errands!  And what better way to make your errands go a little smoother than with the Saturday essentials. 

Start with a military-inspired jacket/coat to pair on top your denim leggings.  This double-breasted canvas coat features a zip-off hood and fold-over collar. 6-button closure and 6-button detail. Button-flap and zip hip pockets.  This double-breasted military-style jacket with side pockets and center-back smocking for better fit.

Tony Military Hooded Coat

Ruffles add femininity to this fresh military-style jacket from Free People. 

Free People Ruffled Military Jacket

Girlfriends when considering what to wear at the bottom (smile) consider anything from denim jeans, leggings or stylish pants.  These corduroy skinny pants feature 5-pocket styling and a single-button closure. 

Skinny Corduroy Pants

These light-wash, straight-leg jeans feature 5-pocket styling and a single-button closure. Two-tone stitching at back pockets and whiskering at front. Shredded holes, worn spots, and moderate distressing.

This linen-jersey tee features a wide neck and a vertical back seam. Elbow-length dolman sleeves.  Look cool while keeping warm in this long-sleeved thermal top from Lucky. Featuring a split neckline, allover ribbing, LOVE print across the chest, a multi-colored peace sign at the side chest with frayed embroidered trim, contrast stitching and a shirttail hem, you’ll love this trendy long-sleeved thermal top.

Michele Tee

Lucky Long-Sleeve Love Tee

A fun unfinished hem adds chic casual styling to this Lucky Brand Jeans thermal tee.

 along with the clothing options you must consider the accessories!  The ever important Saturday essential.  Going from a stylish handbag to a chic watch to a fab scarf  – these are all a part of your Saturday!

Lucky Brand Crewneck Tee

Girlfriends,

This oversized watch features a leather band, studs, and a square case.  This glazed, wrinkled leather handbag features a tasseled drawstring and magnetic closure at the patch front pocket. Metal nuts and resin logo beads at tassel.

La Mer Collection Watch

Marc by Marc Jacobs Hobo

This leather wrap bracelet features a textured 18k gold-plated chain. Ring-and-toggle clasp. This handmade, tie-dye woven scarf features fringe at the ends.

Chelsea Double Wrap Bracelet

Bambi Bianca Scarf

When deciding what to wear on Saturday for errands, don’t forget to consider the essentials and have fun with your wardrobe!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends -

Fashionistas we all feel the change in weather during the morning commute; come on and admit it! 

But I have GREAT news!  Cardigans can be a fun and versatile fashion accessory for the transition of the season.  If comfort is the ultimate luxury, what could be more better than a slip-it over/under-everything, prep-school-inspired knit.

A partially-buttoned sweater combined with equally soft pieces can look effortlessly casual. But don’t overdo the layers. Not only does casual suddenly look forced but you’re likely to start peeling off pieces in most overheated interiors.

As the first signs of fall, search for a lighter fashion piece instead of bringing a heavy coat out of storage, why not throw on a stylish cardigan? The cardigans of today are not like grandma’s sweaters but have a style and flair all their own. Plus, they’re so versatile! Wearing a cardigan can take you from a casual day to an evening out at a restaurant with great panache.

A lightweight wrap cardigan in cotton/cashmere/silk. Long ribbed sleeves. ribbed hem. Wrap front. Ruching at back neck. Layer with camisole or tank top.

Wrap Cardigan

Sand chunky knit oversized cardigan with sailor collar and 3/4 length sleeves. Cardigan comes with an elasticated bow belt.

Chunky Knit Cardigan

A ruffled cardigan – nook and cranny, featuring notched crew neckline; front zip, ruffled detail down front and three-quarter sleeves.

Ruffled Cardigan

You can really expand the depth and versatility of your wardrobe without spending money by layering items you already have. A cardigan provides the perfect finishing touch for that layered look. Just one cardigan can multiply your fashion options many times. Try belting a long cardigan over a skirt and silk top. Wear a long, loose one over your favorite black dress.

Long Wool Cardigan

Cashmere Cardigan

Wrap Around Cardigan

Open your closet and start experimenting by adding a cardigan to your usual outfits and see what works for you.

Slick Zip Cardigan

Maxine Sweater

Peace Scarf Cardigan

A cardigan can add a whole new dimension to your standard office attire.

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Dear Girlfriends -

Wearing sequins this season brings about haute fashions!  Fashionistas certainly know the power of a little sparkle and I’m no different. 

Sequins are having a major moment on the runways, where the most exquisite range of sparkly blazers, shorts, dresses and tanks paraded down the red-hot runway. But this look is not just for parties! Try a sequined jacket with skinny jeans for a versatile look that works everywhere—day, night, office or outing.

Girlfriends, this Shade Tree Top in Black is a sequined beauty. This racer backed tank top has a sweeping branch of sequins across the front. Top is bias cut and will hang nicely with any bottom.  Caviar black and shiny is the Andisue Jacket by BB Dakota. This evening jacket is made from a black netting with oblong black sequins. The jacket is made to hang open so there are no center front closures.

Shade Tree Top

Andisue Jacket

Dazzle to your heart’s delight in the Leti Sequin Tank by BB Dakota. This white scoop neck tank features rows of circular cut out sequins in high shinning silver! Garment has stretch.

Leti Sequin Tank by BB Dakota

A girl who loves the sequin trend will love the Keaton Leggings by BB Dakota. A stretchy black legging boasts a network of circular cut out black sequins for a dazzling look. Stretchy waistband.

Keaton Sequin Leggings

The Back in Brooklyn Top is the chic way to go out in the city. This is a simple tank with all over sequins. In front there are stripes of black and silver and in back it is straight black. The back is a really low scoop and in front. Small measures 15″ down center back.

Back in Brooklyn Top

Girlfriends, there I was in this unique boutique over the weekend and saw the most adorable sequin jacket around – immediately thought “I need to tell the girls about this trend”!

Here’s more … a multicolored silk sleeveless sequined shift dress with a floral print. MINT jodi arnold dress has a round neck, a tapered hemline, a keyhole button fastening at the back and is fully lined.

Multi Floral Print Dress

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends -

On the runway this fall you may have seen a mixture of bold prints; and bold print blouses were a sure fashion hit!  This riotous clash of patterns channeled an avant-garde glamour – eclectic in a way that’ still inherently chic. 

Anne Klein NY Floral Print Blouse

Jones NY Blouse

A checkered print in red and black make a bold statement in our silk blouse. Keyhole detail at neckline.  This beautiful silk watercolor print with 3/4 sleeve blouse with soft pleats at neck offers elegance with ease.

Banana Republic Silk Blouse

Anne Klein Watercolor Print Blouse

An abstract print blouse from St. John; in a currant and caviar abstract print.

St. John Abstract Print Blouse

An artful spin on fall’s strong shoulder, this print silk-charmeuse blouse features ruching at the wide crew neck and a single-button keyhole at the back. Rounded, asymmetrical hem. Pleating at shoulders and ruching at cuffs. Cutouts at long sleeves.  A top with joie de vivre, this print silk blouse features a tie at the crew neck and a keyhole at the bust. Pintucks at front and back. Ruching at shoulders and cuffs. 3-button closure at cuffs. Long blouson sleeves

Karen Blouse

Joie Lacey Top Blouse

Girlfriends, flaunt your free spirit in a colorfully printed blouse and enhance your figure with feminine softness.

Not sure how to begin?  Pick intricately printed tops in lush, drapey fabrics, then match them with skirts that are just a bit more simple and structured, like streamlined A-line or pencil silhouttes.

Until the next style advenute,

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 -

Slouchy cropped pants were seen in past seasons, but for a transitional piece from Summer to Fall ’09 my girlfriends and I plan to make a real grand entrance!

Girlfriends, call them Harem, Bananas or Indian pants, the fact is undeniable – this new shape is hitting even high street chain stores like Mango, Zara and Forever 21.  Even high-end designers are aware!  There were sequined numbers at Ralph Lauren, tropical-twist ones at Emmanuel Ungaro, and funky pants at Vivienne Westwood.

These jersey harem pants feature a gathered elastic waistband and 19″ side slits and tie at bottom hem.  Splendid makes an innovative silhouette completely wearable.  Jersey harem pants with fold-over and gathered elastic banding at waist.

Harem Pants Tie Bottom

Jersey Harem Pants

Cropped harem pants featuring a zippered fly with button closure and front pockets. This season’s fashion-forward essential is softly draped for an easy, slouchy fit through the hip and thigh with a sexy skinny leg. Faux fly with two decorative buttons. 

Cropped Harem Pants

Slouchy Fit Harem Pants

To stylishly work the trend, combine these pants with a tank top, structured sharp blazer and a pair of great high heels or ankle booties.

Consider something chic!  Overdyed zebra print silk harem pant with dropped crotch in a trouser style featuring a pleated from waistband, trouser pockets at sides, zip fly with button closure at middle back and elastic at ankles.  Perfect with a fierce pair of booties, this strapless harem-style jersey jumpsuit features ruching at the bust and gathered elastic banding at the waist and back.

Overdyed Zebra Harem Pants

Harem Style Jumpsuit

Fashionistas, harem pants this slouchy can be tricky, but showing a little ankle and adding a shrunken blazer sharpen them up beautifully.

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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