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 -

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 -

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 -

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 ~

It’s time to have fun with Foldover Boots this year!  Perfect with skinny jeans or a fun little mini, which ever way you choose to wear them, the foldover boot is a popular trend this fall. 

Fashionistas, designers are making them with chunky heels, cone heels and even  stilettos and can be found  in  crinkled leather, vintage leather or suede of all colors.  A wide variety of styles are out there just to suit you!

Versatile and classic, these Twelfth Street Dylan Knee High Boots are a must have. Leather boots have a stacked wooden heel. With a foldover flap, you’ll have two boots in one! Count on Twelfth Street for amazing footwear.

Twelfth Street Dylan Knee High Boot

The Victoria boot is Luxury Rebel’s take on this season’s super-chic foldover trend, combining toughness and elegance in an infinitely versatile style. Available in smooth leather or marshmallow-soft suede, we think you’ll fall in love with its asymmetrical cuff line and daringly high stacked heel. Pair this one with colored or textured tights and a bold minidress for a look that’s totally of the moment.

Luxury Rebel

Distressed leather with slouchy foldover, finishes off with a smooth point-toe design.

Givenchy Wide Ankle Boots

By Vivienne Long, these leather boots feature raised seams at the full-length cuff. 3.5″ stacked heel. 14.5″ shaft and 16″ circumference. Leather sole. Or from Elizabeth & James, these pull-on, distressed leather boots feature a full-length cuff and a zip side gusset. 1.5″ hidden wedge heel. 14.5″ shaft and 15″ circumference.  These pull-on suede boots feature a cuff and seam details. 3.5″ covered heel. 14.5″ shaft and 14.5″ circumference. Faux leather sole.

Vivienne Long

Giuseppe Zanotti Boots

Rachel Roy Foldover Boots

A stylized take on the everyday knee boot, these have a wide-leg trouser cut that’s full of attitude!

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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