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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Dear Girlfriends -

Of course I suggested a dress I told her to opted for some harem-inspired or a chic pant jumpsuit.   When deciding on jumpsuits, think chic.  There are so many options out there. 

Gorgeous silk jumpsuit + glossy black heels + fitted black tux = instant goddess. Love it!  Don the haute, vintage style of this sleeveless jumpsuit from Adrianna Papell, featuring wide, pleated shoulder straps, a surplice V-neckline, pleated cross-over bodice, belt at the waist and hip bell-bottom leg.  This ruffled jumpsuit features notched two-layer collar; tie waist, sleeveless, seam pockets at hip and harem-cut legs.

Paul & Joe Strapless Jumpsuit

Ruffled Jumpsuit

This sleeveless, wide-leg jersey jumpsuit features an unfinished cowl neck and a drawstring tie at the gathered elastic waist. Slant hip pockets and single-button back keyhole. Button-tab gathers arm openings.

Jersey Jumpsuit

A playful evening alternative, this stretch-silk harem-style jumpsuit features a ruffled top hem and ruched bust. Smocked elastic banding at back. Front pleats and on-seam hip pockets. Gathered elastic banding at hem. Spaghetti halter straps tie behind neck, lined at bodice and tuck straps in for strapless styling.

Harem Style Jumpsuit

Silk Strapless Jumpsuit

Rachel Pally Jumpsuit

Take on the trend and don’t forget to jump around in your jumpsuit!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends -

Sunday is almost here and I’m looking forward to some sophisticated fun at the High Tea Party being held at the Mandarin Oriental created by Lerkia Tidball of Savvy Soirees.   I told my girlfriend just the other day, that you should dress elegantly for a tea party. It doesn’t matter what time of the day.  Afternoon or morning teas are lovely events designed for women to shine.

Let’s start off 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.  

A pretty embroidery and beading on this pleated, voluminous skirt add to the allure of this design with a fitted bodie and patent belt.  A sweet little confection pays homage to dresses from decades past. Here in a strapless geometric eyelet with empire waist and bow detail. Full pleated skirt with embroidered eyelet detail overlay.

Embroidery Dress

Eyelet Strapless Dress

If you’re keen to stay away from black this season, try an LCD (Little Coloured Dress) to dazzle your fans. This bright spark is part of celebrity lust favourite BCBGMAXAZRIA’s hot new collection so get your hands on one now!

BCBG Ruffle Dress

Still don’t know what to wear to tea party this weekend? Make that decision easy with the Chic Choice Dress. With a black and white banded skirt this dress will always be classy. Black elastic waistband cinches in the waist and makes the skirt poof just right. Deep v-neck in back and front. Black knit top overlaps at center front and small gathers under bust are really cute.

Chic Choice Dress

Life’s a stroll in our Bloomsbury Dress. A large houndstooth print dress features pretty ruffle cap sleeves and a string of cloth covered beads bordering the ruffle trimmed neckline. Dress makes a lovely finish with a drawstring waist that ties in front with a navy bow.

Bloomsbury Dress

Flirty ruffles adorn the top bodice front and back while adding a pretty trim to the tank straps. Piping at the bust and an exposed black trimmed zipper in back add extra shape and detail. The skirt of this dress takes the cake with its three tiers of ruffles before finishing off with a non-ruffled bottom layer.

Celebrity Pink Sock Dress

Girlfriends

  When looking for the “other” pieces adding color is a must. Hot pink or red heels or sandals would help give the outfit a little “kick” for a girly tea party. Tomorrow I will explore the accessories needed for a sophisticated Sunday afternoon at the High Tea Party!  , besides getting the dress you need to consider shoes, accessories and of course the hat!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends ~

A new pair of boots is always the thing I’m most excited to wear when Fall arrives.  When it comes to fashion, I want to experiment and go the extra mile.  To update your wardrobe for the season, I suggest a pair of buckle boots which adds just the right edge to feminine looks.

No more hesitation, soon the boutiques, online stores and department stores will have pre-fall sales on boots!  Don’t miss  your chance and here’s some buckle boots you should consider.

From Naughty Monkey a pair of  round toe textured leather boot with buckle accents.  A femme fatale’s combat boot, these distressed suede boots feature seam detail and 3 buckled straps.  

Haute Rocker Boot

Combat Tall Buckle Boots

Stand head and shoulders above the fashion pack in Balmain’s über cool black suede buckle covered boots. Pull them on with a leather mini skirt and tailored topper to step up your cocktail cool. Hot step through fall in these sensational red-haute suede buckled ankle boots. Display these show-off-heels to their fullest potential with a curve-contouring bandage dress and a form-fitting power jacket.

Buckle Embellished Boots

Red Haute Buckled Boots

An illicit encounter of industrial and fetish, these leather booties features a pointed toe and 3 buckled straps. These distressed leather booties feature cutouts at the upper and sides. Wraparound, buckled ankle strap. 1/2″ covered platform and 4.25″ covered heel.

Three Buckle Leather Booties

Felipe Open Vamp Booties

Girlfriends, with boots you can always “go there” and venture out to something fab, colorful and chic accents all at the same time.

Just remember buckle boots are a must-have piece for your fashion closet this fall.

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends ~

During the hot temps at their peak in August, I’ve seen hemlines that follow the “mid-summer mini dress” trend.  You may have seen options in the latest boutique or summer sales, but I’ve found a few “minis” for errands around town, lounging poolside or simply an evening out with the ladies. 

My friend and I love the look for a day or evening, this mini delivers with this casual teal mini dresses from Vava by Joy Han.  Shoes and accessories can dress it up or down.  Watercolor hues of poppy and ocean coordinate perfectly with a summer glow. Fashioned from a rayon spandex blend, this Sky crochet mini dress features a smoked top with purple crochet detailing at center and a beautiful flower print on a cream base its hard to pass this one up! 

Vava Casual Mini Dress

Sky Crochet Mini Dress

Girlfriends, the world may never know why a min-dress looks so chic and fabulous but thankfully you can show some skin in T-Bags’ white one-shouldered jersey dress. Ground the flirtatious frills with luxe tan accessories for a city spin on this beach look.  If you want more glam, a lovely lavender skirt complements the black bodice and scrolling designs of the stunning Voom Jenn mini dress.

T-Bags One Shoulder Mini Dress

Voom Jenn Mini Dress

Baby got back in the sweet and sassy dress!  Just what your bike shorts were in the mood for, this satin mini dress features a wide neck and a tie at the cutout back.

Free People Cutout Back Dress

This navy off shoulder mini dress will be a great addition to your summer casual wear. The off shoulder neckline is sexy and fabulous while also fitting with this style’s loose silhouette. Bell sleeve are comfortable and detailed with bright tassel trim. Pair with flip flops to complete the look.

Off Shoulder Mini Dress

From billowy to hip hugging having a mini-dress in your fashion closet qualifies as a fashionista and chic looking with every wardrobe partner it encounters.

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends –

Going from a fashionista to a recessionista!  Well its no different in the fashion industry and a fashionistas got to know how to keep on looking fly even with the pocket crunch all around.

Many of us have been recessionistas from ever since but if you’re new to the “bargain hunt” or are looking for a few new ways to save a penny or two then listen up while I share a few of my ideas.

• One of my favorites is to shop at bargain stores and affordable shopping events. Hey don’t knock it till you try it, there are some REAL bargains to be had there, all you have to do is sift through the racks to find some true gems and basic pieces. If you’re in town this weekend, I recommend a stroll through the Ultimate Fashionista Flea Market happening on Saturday July 25th from 10:00am-3:00pm.    The ultimate shopping experience wants you!  Come out to see and buy amazing pieces from the closets of fabulous fashionistas keeping you on budget.  The event features new, trendy, hip, vintage and stylish pieces including shoes, jeans, belts, jewelry, handbags, dresses, blouses, accessories and more.  And the good thing is there is something for everyone – all sizes and styles.  As a part of the shopping experience there will be a Makeup Bar featuring professional makeup services. 
  

  Jackie O Inspired Sunglasses

  

  Flower Ring

  

  Diara Necklace

  

  Fab Handbag

  

  Galaxy Ring

  All fashionistas have become “recessionistas” – following their “passion for fashion” but doing so within the constraints of the current economy.  On Saturday, you never know what you may find and it may be only one chance to get a new and affordable addition to your closet!

Fashionista Flea Market

The Ultimate Fashionista Flea Market … an open-air shopping experience on Saturday July 25th 10:00am-3:00pm at the James Madison Middle School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772    (off Route 4/MD-223 Exit)

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends -

I was speaking to my girlfriend over dessert the other day and saw this magazine ad that reminded us how fearless we can be when dressing fabulous!  And you know one of my fierce clothing items are dresses.  Today more and more dress designers are forgoing the strap. A strapless dress is a great garment if you have nice arms and shoulders. Wearing one comfortably, however, can be a little tricky if you don’t take the time to prepare yourself first.

While deciding what to wear to this event next week, I can across a strapless “number” that I know I could rock!  Its a perfect silhoutte for the season and the occassion – a summer BBQ. 

Showing denim in a whole new light.  This strapless sexy denim dress is perfect for a day or night.  A fun shade and gorgeous silhouette put together, create the Tibi Nuit Long Strapless Dress in Green. Bright green silk jersey dress has a twisted ruched bust and side zipper closure. Edgy meets Catherine Malandrino elegant, this cotton strapless dress features layered ruffles at the top hem.

City Style Strapless Denim Dress

Tibi Long Strapless Dress

Catherine Malandrino Belted Strapless Dress

Coming from the London Times, a large bow detail on the bust adds girlish glamour to this strapless khaki dress with side zipper.  Strapless cotton dress with colorblock detailing. Featuring a structured at the top with stitched-in boning; flared skirt; back zipper closure and exclusively to Urban Outfitters.

Strapless Babydoll Dress

Colorblock Strapless Dress

No detail is missed on this gorgeous dress. Silk georgette creates a beautiful drape. The starburst embroidery of rhinestones and beads is crafted by hand in India. This strapless Juicy terry maxi dress features a braided self-belt and dramatic 21″ side slits.

Starburst Strapless Dress

Juicy Couture Maxi Dress

When shopping or going through your fashion closet – look for a good fit. No matter how cute the dress is, it won’t look good on you if you have to constantly tug at it to get it to stay in place. You want your strapless dress to be snug on top, but not so snug it gives you “armpit fat.” The dress should also balance itself out. Since the top is snug and there is nothing above the bust, a fuller, at least knee length bottom looks best.

And girlfriends … of course buy the right underwear. There are may different kinds of strapless bras on the market. Look for a simple one with smooth cups. Lace and other embellishments might make your chest look crumpled when you are wearing your strapless dress. As for your bottom half, look for undies that eliminate the pantylines. Options include thongs and slim wear.

Of course don’t forget to GLAM UP!  Adding a pretty necklace draws attention to your face. Dangly earrings look nice, too.

You think you got the idea?  I know I am ready … let’s see what I wear next week.

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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