Tortoise love

Tory Burch Resin Logo Cuff

$45.00

Ahhhh, tortoise.  It never goes out of style.  What a great way to add a classic element to any ensemble. These two turtoise cuff bracelets are a good chunky item for the wrist.   It is the perfect accessory for day or night.  Here is another beautiful, afforadable option from Kayce Hughes:

Kayce Hughes cuff

$46.00

I just came across a really fun company, Moon and Lola, online.  They have really great, affordable pieces, including the earrings and necklace below in tortoise:

Singita earring

 $44.00.

 I am trying to fight my love of monogramming as my family was beginning to make fun of me but this necklace is just too much fun!  It can be made in turtoise or colored acrylic on a gold or silver chain. 

Acrylic Monogram Necklace

$58.00 +

Tortoise looks elegant with black, khaki, or colors.  A chic look at a great price!

All that Glitters...

Tory Burch

                                                                               

        The sparkly trend this season is so much fun.  It has me in the holiday spirit a little early.  Shimmery items are so girly and a great way to add glamour to events.  Anything from crystals, glitter, sparkly necklaces, and sequins are a go. What fun!  Sparkles are everywhere from dresses, to shoes, to accessories, and nails.   One tip though...you should only wear one sparkly item at a time, i.e. if your handbag is sparkly, your shoes should not be.

 This is a fun mix of a more casual look with a statement necklace...

a fun bag...

gorgeous evening wear...

and even nails.

There are so many ways to wear this glittery trend and it translates to all age groups.  Check your closets for vintage wear from your mothers and grandmothers.  This is a perfect time to bring out jeweled evening handbags and beaded sweaters.  Be bold, but just keep it to one piece.  

A sparkly Splurge vs. Steal for the holiday season:

Splurge: Rachael Zoe 'Minelli' Sequined Top at Nieman Marcus

$350.

Steal:  Victoria's Secret Sequin Blouse

$98.

Splurge: Kate Spade 'Charm'

$325.

Steal: J. Renee 'Rosia' at Zappos

$79.95

 

                                                                        Vive la fete!

photos by Pinterest

                                                   

The Classic Blazer

         The blazer has been around forever because it works.  When you need to pull a look together quickly for school, errands, or a casual office day, the effortless blazer is a must-have.  In navy or black, it is the finishing touch.  The right blazer nips you in at all the right places.  It also can do wonders for hiding a bigger mid-section.  They are universally flattering.  Check out these casual looks from the Middleton sisters with blazers and jeans.  

           If you are on your way out for the night, a long blazer like this one on Sandra Bullock looks fantastic over a cocktail dress.  It is a more pulled together look than a cardigan and you will not have to adjust it like a pashmina.  Voila!  A well cut women's black blazer is a staple item in any wardrobe.  You can dress it up or down and it always looks chic.


          Personally, I have been stealing my 11 year old son's navy blazer for a couple of years.  It looks fantastic with the sleeves rolled up, a crisp white blouse underneath, and skinny jeans with boots.  If you do not have a son from whom to steal... here are some great budget options:

                                This is a great budget option at $29.80 from Forever21.

                          This "boyfriend" style long black blazer is only $24.80 at Forever21.  

Shearling makes me happy!

            In the fall and winter it can be difficult to stay warm and look fashionable.  This is where a coat, vest, or jacket can make a big difference in your look and keep you cozy.  Faux fur vests and shearling are currently all the rage.  Shearling mixes a couple of hot trends right now:  the nordic look and outdoorsy chic.  At this time of year I do not recommend any one go bare-legged like this cute model above.  But I do like the mix of the striped shirt (would be great in black or navy stripe), then the shearling and leather accessories.  The outfit above would be great paired with slim black pants or jeans.  I found some great looks on a couple of sites.  Some budget friendly, some not so much!   

This beautiful, real shearling vest hails from Boden, in their Limited collection for $518.00, Shearling Gilet.

This gorgeous little number from Boden, the Snuggly Shearling Jacket retails for $774.00.

For a similar look for a little less cost...

consider your faux options!

     This coat from Nordstrom is  $118., Bernando Faux Shearling. This is a fantastic statement piece for the price.

 If you are petite and can wear a juniors size, try this Jou Jou Faux Shearling vest for $44.00 from Nordstrom.

Here is another Boden top, at $138., the Winter Warmer.  I have seen a lot of 15% and 20% off Boden offers with free shipping by email and catalog.  Check it out.  There are some good deals to be had!

Stay warm!

Double Wear

      These little beauties are a great way to add punch to any outfit.  Goody caught on to the trend of women wearing their hair rubber bands on their wrists.  They added curved bands of gold or silver to one side.  So they look chic in your hair and double as a great accessory for your wrist or neck.  Brilliant at $4.99!

The Fall "Uniform"

           What is your "uniform" for everyday life?  To answer this question take a look at your closet.  What do you gravitate to when getting dressed?  What is functional and appropriate for your lifestyle but makes you feel put together and stylish simultaneously?  The key is to take pieces you already have, but wear them in a new way.  It can be as simple as pairing them with a new color.

          As a stay-at-home mother of three...I need style and function, i.e. goes in the washer.  This outfit fits the bill perfectly.  So well in fact that I found a version of it in my closet today.  Of course I went through the Starbucks drive-through as well (I really have an addiction)! It has a warm black jacket, a faux burberry plaid scarf, skinny jeans, a white tee-shirt or blouse, and boots.  If you like this look and "shop your closet," I'll bet you can find a nice version of your own.  If you do not have the boots try a cute ballet flat.

What makes this look feel current is the mix of the athletic jacket with leather as well as the mix of black, denim, and  brown leather.  Mix it up!  Clothes should be fun, not intimidating.

photo courtesy of Pinterest

Stylist Tip... for a night out

           A tip to follow for a night out...  for any ensemble, make sure one of three naturally attractive body zones is showing (i.e. not covered by clothing):

• the collar bone
• the wrists
• the ankles

 These three areas are some of the most feminine and attractive parts of a woman's body.  Make the most of your assets!   If you are wearing a turtleneck, slacks, and heels with knee highs, push your sleeves up.  That flash of wrist makes all the difference!  The same rule holds true for ankles and/or the collar bone (a woman's best feature).  Subtle changes can make a big difference!

photo:Pinterest