Category Archives: Shopping

(Next) Weekend Wardrobe: Thanksgiving

Posted on November 18, 2011 | Leave a comment

Thanksgiving is less than a week away!  It is actually my most favorite holiday of the entire year and for good reason.  If you’re lucky, like me, the food and company are both great.  I love the fall season because it is a perfect opportunity to entertain, cook great food, and look fabulous at the same time.

This week’s Weekend Wardrobe post gives you ample time to plan ahead for Thanksgiving, much like you would/should for your menu!

If you’re hosting Thanksgiving you have a serious job on your hands, and the day is definitely requiring of two looks: one for when your company is in tow and you are the “hostess with the mostest” and the other for when your home quiets down and all you hear is the quiet hum of a dishwasher.

Weekend Wardrobe: Thanksgiving Day and Night

Shop Day: Apron, Dress, Dish, Bracelet, Boots
Shop Night: Shawl, Leggings, Mask, Rolaids, Cup, Slippers

What is great about this set, if I do say so myself?  For Thanksgiving Day a printed wrap dress is a mask for all sins, including when gravy slips off your fork and onto your bust, and for that extra serving of pie.  Also, if you’re wearing a heel a thick and sturdy one like on these boots keeps you from teetering over.

For Thanksgiving Night, when the only thing left to do is watch the Dolphins and Cowboys game and sit with a cup of tea, the look is all about comfort.  However, comfortable can still be cute, especially with friends and family in town who are likely to stop by to say hello.

Wishing you a very stylish Thanksgiving!

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Weekend Wardrobe: Lady Luck

Posted on November 11, 2011 | Leave a comment

Today is 11/11/11 and for many it’s feeling very lucky.  Sounds like a good time to bet on success, and take a gamble over some dice, or cards or life.  I am not going to Atlantic City or Las Vegas, and actually I have never been, but if I was how great would it be to have all of this extra luck on my side?

For my fantasy trip and jackpot winnings, this is what I am wearing.

Weekend Wardrobe: Lady Luck

Shop: Nails, Cards, Dress, Hearts, Purse, Pumps

What could be more lucky that a rabbit’s foot (maybe faux for real) at your side, mirrors at your feet, and diamonds on your ears?

Have a very lucky weekend!

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Faux Real Leather: Looks for Less

Posted on November 8, 2011 | Leave a comment

Certain items are fashion perennials, in the sense that every year they reappear and never quite go out of style.  In honor of the upcoming holiday season, and the large amount of shopping you’ll likely do, I’ll be identifying some faux/real looks at a variety of price points to keep you in style and hopefully in the black.

There is something about leather pants that I am so into this season, and at the right price and fit, I would definitely go for this trend.  No longer relegated to rock and roll groupies and motorcycle babes, this trend is here to stay.  Even the GAP is deeming leather the new denim…

Mandy Moore - Professional Leather

Gwyneth Paltrom - Prim Leather

The first “save” option is from Blank Denim NYC (at Piperlime).  While not really leather, and not even faux leather or pleather, Blank makes a great fitting, low price five pocket jean and is on trend with the sheen and slick look.

Blank Denim - Black Wax Denim

In the “splurge” category is the 901 Coated Legging from J Brand.  I have worn and loved many pairs of J Brand jeans, and I will testify they do make a fabulous fitting jean, and if you’re going for the leather look, it is very exciting to not have to compromise on comfort for style.

J Brand 901 Coated

In the “savings account” category we have the Lambskin Leather Skinny from J Brand.  This is the 8001 series fit, a mid-rise skinny, and for extra biker edge with an ankle zipper.  All leather, J Brand is deeming these luxury redefined.

J Brand - Lambskin

Would you wear leather this season?  And is it something you would be willing to splurge on?

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Sweater Season

Posted on October 31, 2011 | 1 comment

This weekend put to an end any hope for a warm or mild fall and winter.  It was snowing in DC and all up the East coast.  It is officially time to pull out sweaters, scarfs, mittens and boots – and that’s okay.  In addition to being the “most wonderful time of the year” – it is also the most fashionable time!

In my fall wardrobe a little sweater goes a long way.  Because I am almost always cold, I like the layer a basic tank under a slim sweater.  The sweater and skinny jean combination has become my fall uniform because it allows me to go to warmer or cooler in a snap.  Trade out flats for boots and add a jacket and then I’m ready for winter.

Sweater Season: Fall 2011

This little sweater triumvirate is great because it sort of eliminates the notion that a sweater is either a. sweats, or b. grandma or art teacher attire.  These are chic, fun, and as young as they are sophisticated.  I would wear all of these sweaters at any time, you know with the rest of the uniform (skinny jeans + tank + flats or boots).

Be retro collegiate in slim sweaters with stripes of various sizes.  The retro vibe comes from the neutral and rust color palette and the modesty of the crew neckline.   The fit here is slim and youthful, and would be great paired with a school girl jacket.   Tip: Pick a sweater with the most skin tone flattering colors a the top (near your face) and with darker colors at your midsection)
Shop: Bold, Skinny, Many
M
 
Be runway inspired, and take a cue from Jason Wu’s use of lace and ladylike embellishment for Fall 2011.  These slim sweaters go undercover and add an element of feminine mystique with embellishments like subtle bows, and dainty lace.  Pair these with tailored pants and skirts for a fall/winter dinner engagement, or play with opposites and go sporty and tough with your lace.  Tip: You can also easily DIY this look with the simple stitching of lace on the sleeves of a favorite sweater.
Shop: Bow, Trim, Shoulders
 
 
Be ready for anything but the gym in sweaters inspired by sweats.  I am enrolling in Fashion Ed. as opposed to Phys. Ed. and embracing the easy fit of a sweatshirt with the added embellishments and details that make it fashion.  Still here: ribbed cuffs, hems, and vent stitching at the collar.  Gone are the oversize silhouettes, and anything resembling a Hanes Beefy anything.  In its place is delicate stitching, sequins, and playful patterns.  Find the right slim fit, too big and bulky you might as well wear sweats.  Tip: Look embellishment that is delicate, the emphasis here is playing with opposites.
Shop: Cropped, Hearts, Spots

M

What is your sweater style this fall?

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Saturday Wardrobe: Halloween Weekend

Posted on October 28, 2011 | Leave a comment

This weekend is Halloween, and whether you’ve been planning your costume since November 1, or if you were more like me and scrambling at the 11th hour – I hope you have a fabulous and look good too.

I am suggesting this fabulous Cat Woman costume that is more sophisticated than spooky.

Saturday Wardrobe: Halloween Weekend

Shop: Candy, Boots, Sweater, Pants, Mask, Lashes, Lip

This outfit, plus or minus a few critical accessories is perfect for fall, and could easily be a go-to all season long.

Happy Halloween, may your parties be fun and your candy bag be delicious!

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Halloween DIY: Use Your Closet

Posted on October 18, 2011 | Leave a comment

Halloween is just two weeks away and if you, like me, want to look fabulous, without breaking the bank I suggest digging through your closet to build out a perfect (and cute) Halloween costume.

Let’s travel through cinematic time for our inspiration:

The 70’s

Shop: Jacket, Top, Pants, Wig, Hoops, Gloss, Slides

The 80’s

Shop: Sweatshirt, Leotard, Spray, Legwarmers, Pumps

The 90’s

Shop: Shirt, Pants, Wig, Lip, Nail

The 00’s

Shop: Tank, Tutu, Spray, Pins, Newspaper, Shoes

All of these looks are worthy of an evening of trick-or-treating, or a night on the couch with Netflix and popcorn.

What will you be for Halloween?

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Saturday Wardrobe: Charity Event Weekend

Posted on October 14, 2011 | Leave a comment

This weekend we are going to the Butterfly Bash, a celebration and fundraiser of Fair Chance, an organization that supports entrepreneurial non-profits that benefit DC Youth. We have gone for the last two years – it’s a great reason to dress up, mix and mingle, and support a worthwhile cause.

The Butterfly Bash is one of many “events” in DC; in fact October is affectionately known as tuxedo month because of the sheer volume of events.  Luckily, tonight is more festive than formal so I’ll be dressing to match the cocktail attire description.

This is what I am wearing.

Saturday Wardrobe: Charity Event

Shop:Wine, Pumps, Halter, Skirt, Bracelet, Clutch, Gloss

For a cocktail party in DC – this outfit works.  It’s easy to wear, it’s conservative enough for DC and young enough for me.

For more information about the Butterfly Bash or Fair Chance.

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Sequin Season

Posted on October 13, 2011 | 1 comment

In the last show of Spring 2012 Paris Fashion Week, Elie Saab sent models down the runway in every color under the rainbow.  In the evening wear dresses and gowns they wore vibrant jewel tones.

Elie Saab, Spring 2012

The fall 2011 runways showed plenty of sequined evening looks, but if there is ever a time to play with the glittery stuff in color, it’s now, as seen on Martha Plimpton, Amy Poehler and Evan Rachel Wood at the Primetime Emmy Awards.

Here are the top picks to glitter into Fall.

Sequins for Fall 2011

Shop: Blue, Green, Bordeaux, Violet, Gold, Blue, Red

 

Are you ready to shine at this season’s parties and events?

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Posted in Accessories, Fashion Inspiration, fashion week, Her Closet, Shoes, Shopping

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Jacket Season

Posted on October 11, 2011 | 1 comment

We’re having some warmer temperatures this week – not complaining! – but fall and it’s brisk temperatures and cool breezes is soon to come.  Let’s fashionably plan ahead.

A must have item (or items) for fall, is definitely the blazer/tailored jacket.  I am having a bit of a blazer moment. I think a fitted jacket is to your wardrobe what mascara is to your makeup collection, an instant pick me-up, and a polished finish.

Jackets for Fall 2011

The core of my wardrobe is a pair of skinny jeans and a tank top and I would wear all of these jackets with that base.  Swap out different shoes and accessories and I am set for the season.

Be school girl chic in traditional styles featuring tartans, plaid, and elbow patches.  The fit here is slim and youthful, too structured and boxy and it may look like you borrowed a Captain’s jacket.  Tip: Shop the boy’s section for a snug fit with this look. 
Shop: Plaid, Patches, Tweed
M
 
Make a statement in jackets with details that speak volumes.  Play with bold and bright colors, beaded details, and rich fabrics.  Pair these jackets with simple pieces so as to not look overly done or matronly.  Tip: Shop vintage and thrift stores to find great colors and patterns at great prices, a simple tailoring can update the fit.
Shop: Pink, Beaded, Satin
 
 
Be stylish on the weekend in Saturday perfect jackets.  Easy to add to an outfit, and not cumbersome for weekend errands, these jackets are warm and made from tough fabrics: leather, knits and velvets.  Find the right slim fit, too big and bulky you might as well wear sweats.  Tip: Shop in unexpected places like the active section as many fitness/casual brands also add non-workout clothes to the mix.
Shop: Velvet, Leather, Trench

M

What is your jacket style this fall?

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Saturday Wardrobe: Football Weekend

Posted on October 7, 2011 | 1 comment

This weekend my favorite college football team, The Miami Hurricanes, come north to Blackburg, Virginia to play Virginia Tech.  I am not going to the game, but if I was, this is what I would want to wear.

Saturday Wardrobe: Fall Football

Shop: Football, Belt, Boots, Jacket, Sweater, Cords, Bracelet, Scarf, Backpack

I love this look for a number of reasons, the colors, the fall textures and most of all, the functionality.  When you’re at a football game, or outside and standing up and down for 3-4 hours you need to be as comfortable as you are cute.

This outfit is easy to wear, and the girl in this look is ready for the pregame, cool in the huddle, and fabulous at the after party.

Go ‘Canes!

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