STUDingly Chic

Bold hardware makes an edgy impression!  Round and pyramid studs are splattered all over belts, shoes, bangles and apparel this fall.  Rock the edgy look for striking style in small doses with studded skinny belts or large doses with over-embellished blazers and bangles.

Bebe does bold studs with perfection! This Wide Statement Belt is decorated with round and square studs embedded into leatherette material. Resurrect that boring black skirt tucked away in a box and bring it to life by throwing this belt on top. 

Incorporate the bold shoulder look for fall with Forever 21's Studded Chain Top. The ultimate marriage of 1980's rocker-chic and modern-day layered chains with a honeymoon price of only $19.80!

Details of studs decorate the shoulder seam and cuffs on Free People's We The Free Tuxedo Jacket.  This solo style has so much sass with its studs and buckles along with silk pleating and piping detail in the back. The combination of wool and silk allow this garment to look structured yet flowy, giving it dimension and texture.

Step into your studs with the Studded Bootie by Alloy. Show off these booties with skinny jeans or go ballerina rocker by pairing these with a ruffled skirt.

Nail Polish 911

Believe it or not, the color and finish of your nails is just as much of a trend as what's in your wardrobe.  Matte polish is the sultry, nail-saver finish for 2009, however, the tacky glitter look is back with a sophisticated twist. 

The innovative O.P.I brand has developed a seude laquer polish in six of their best-selling colors.  This popular nail-polish brand has executed the sultry finish by mixing the perfect recipe of matte and shimmer to make it appear like painted suede.

Popular polish colors include Dark Navy's and Indigo's, Onyx and Deep Burandy's which play along with the jewel-tone palate in Fall 2009 ready-to-wear.  Lincoln Park After Dark (left) and Yoga-ta Get This Blue (right) are top-selling shades for O.P.I.

Polish your PC! Dell thinks that nailpolish colors shouldn't just be for your nails so, they partnered with O.P.I. experts (who are fabulous resources for upcoming color trends) to create a line of 26 colored laptops inspired by the company's color palate. Which means, if you're computer shopping and happen to love classic colors like "I'm Not Really a Waitress" from O.P.I well, now you can have it splashed all over your laptop, too!

Spring 2010 Preview

Feeling a little Spring-Fever? You should! When November hits, so does a sneak peak of the upcoming spring trends. Retailers welcome a taste of what to expect in the coming new year by delivering a selection of spring styles with their November shipments. 

For Spring 2010, femininity isn't the big story in women's apparel like it has been over the past few seasons. Ladies, we are getting a hard, tough girl make-over. The Paris shows dubbed the Spring 2010 runway looks as "Practical Magic". 

Possible interpretation:  pragmatic, utilitarian looks with a "magically" original twist. You can easily break down the complexity of couture designs seen on the runway into sporty and versatile, ready-to-wear fashions. The simplicity behind these runway ensembles may surprise you.  Just because it's on the catwalk, doesn't mean it can't be easily interpreted for your wardrobe.

THE SCOOP ON SOME SPRING MUST-HAVES:

SPORTY.  Banana Republic takes the edge off their strict and serious focus and will introduce more laid-back, casual sportswear for spring. The trend is well-executed with light-wash blue jeans, cargo looks, bomber jackets, shirt dresses and a sea of basic colors with pops of greens and yellows.

BR's remix presents a modern-day safari vibe; a subtle nod to classic Banana Republic with trouser shorts and chino blazers (right).





Spring is bringing "SEXY BACKS".

Show off all your hard work at the gym with styles featuring back cut-outs, slits, and exposed zippers. Max Azria's "The Vertebrae" (left) incorporates the cut-out look with an exposed zipper along your spine, creating an extremely flattering presentation of your vamped up muscles!

GRAPHIC PRINTS are rectified each season to make fresh, intrepid statements. For Spring 2010 bold motifs litter the runway, most of them hand-painted and drastically graphic. From the Donna Karan New York (DKNY) runway (right) is an abstract floral motif presented in a palate of pleasing pop colors. This is a great interpretation of what's to be seen in the stores for Spring 2010.



Reflections of "BO-HO" CHIC will remain present through the spring season as well.  The unconventional and artistic style of the Bohemian trend has permeated fashion houses since the 1960's. Spring 2010 is no exception, however, those with modern-day Bohemian taste don't necessarily live the "bo-ho" lifestyle!


Spring 2010 fashions aren't limited to what's highlighted above. Keep an eye out for Slouchy T-Shirt Dresses, Flirty Caftans, Quilted Leather (ode to Chanel!), Lace Remix and Matchy-Match Hampton-Style Accessories. 

SUMMER SWIMSUIT SNAPSHOT:

Even more energizing trends will hit as Summer 2010 approaches!  Ladies, our swimsuits are going risque and tastefully provocative! Slashes, twists, tresse's and ties will keep all eyes on you. Pair your beach body fashions with woven accessories, square sunglasses and high-cut shorts.

Looks for Less Continue to Impress

Stumbling across something that looks similar to name brand designs but without the high end price tag can give you the biggest rush.  That is why I love bringing you "Looks for Less" so you can dress in top fashion style but not break your bank!

Tiffany & Co. Teardrop Necklace (left) is sterling silver and hangs at 16 inches for $110.  Stella & Dot's Teardrop Necklace (right) is also sterling silver and it dangles around your neck at 17 inches for only $34!

Tiffany & Co's Elsa Peretti Teardrop Earrings (left) will put you out $895! Why not purchase Stella & Dot's Teardrop Scroll Earrings (right) in both gold and silver and for all of your friends and family with money left over at only $29 a piece!

No, you aren't looking through a mirror! The Tiffany & Co. Three Swing Row Ring (left) and Stella & Dot's Deco Rings (right) really do look that similar.  The biggest difference is the price tag! Tiffany's version will empty your bank at $7,725 (!!) and Stella's will cost you only $49!  So if you can't even see the difference, why not buy into Stella's style and let others believe you spent nearly eight grand?!

Jennifer Meyer's Disco Ball Earrings (left) will max out your credit card with its $8,000 price tag!  Get the same look with Stella & Dot's Soiree Earrings for only $39 and pair it with the Adrienne Mixed Chain Necklace or the Veronica 4 Strand Necklace with roughly $7,800 left to spare!

Men's Fashion Friday: Faux Fur

Yes, the trend for Fur is in for men this season, too! Faux fur can be just as masculine as it can feminine. For those of you who fear wearing fur in an obvious way, you can still rock this trend with a subtle nod through fur-lined apparel or go full throttle with a hefty fur coat. 

One of my favorite looks is the Faux Fur-Lined Military Coat from Express. This nylon-blend Military jacket is sleek, sophisticated and versatile.  With the option to zip-out the fur lining, you can stay true to the trend in colder weather, or remove it for the days that aren't ask brisk.  Not to mention, the Military look is hot this fall so you can rock two trends in one style.

Express also has a Fur Lined Hooded Vest which is also a great layering piece. Keep warm with the ribbed waistline and neckline which compresses the garment closer to your body to help protect you against cold weather.  Even better, the hood is coated with cozy fur for additional warmth and comfort.

This American Rag Jacket has a hard leather edge with a softer fur-lined collar. It can easily transition from business day to casual night.

If you fear representing the fur look in public, you can fancy your fur in the comfort of your home!  These Yukon Slippers are covered in suede, touched with leather trim and drip with fur lining where your foot rests.  Lounge around in these and you'll never want to take them off your feet! Heck, with the indoor/outdoor sole bottom, you might just end up wearing them out afterall!

Faux Fur

Bohemian, romantic faux fur is the perfect cold weathered companion to bundle up with on a brisk day.  Faux fur has come a long way since the early days when we tried to imitate the look of real fur to spare the life of animals. Modern day fur looks so similar to real fur that it takes the tag on a collar to decipher the two.  Cuddle up this season with a variety of expensive looks!  

Express' Faux Fur Vest is the perfect element for your winter wardrobe.  Slip this on over a basic long-sleeved top and instantly add texture and pizazz to your outfit.

Add complete sass to your style this winter with the Faux Fur Cropped Coat from Express. This sophisticated zebra print is covered in whisker-like fur making it fun and flirty!  Pair this with a hot fashion color like the photo above for extra attention!

Bebe's Luxe Faux Fur Collar is just that... LUXE-urios! Slip this around your neck and cozy up to comfort. The coloring makes it look like real fur without being an actual "animal print."  Passersby won't be able to tell its faux!

Haute Holiday Dresses

Holiday parties are just around the corner! Get the hautest looks this season with the trendiest party dresses! Available to you is an abundance of ruffles, lace, bows, one-shouldered dresses and sequence for your casual holiday parties to exciting New Year's Eve bashes!

A perfect pick for a company holiday party is this Belted Dress two-piece look. The high-waisted pencil skirt comes with a removable skinny belt and is attached to a geometric printed bodice top with cap sleeves and a mock turtle neck.  From a distance it almost looks ruffled because of the print and the pleat detailing at the collar bone, but it's not. For just $80, it's as though you are getting a blouse, a skirt and a belt for one great price!

 

BCBG's Zip Front Party Dress hits the trend spot for this season! The tiered skirt presents a vision of layers and the visible, offset zipper kisses a collection of ruffles and ruching. Oh-so-sleek and sexy, flirty and trendy! One of my favorites this fall. Make this style even more irresistible with fabulous accessories.

Forever 21's Strapless Satin Dress is certainly fancier than it's $24.80 price tag!  The corset-like top has a dramatic sweet-heart neckline with cups that have bold top-stitching. The bodice meets a full-bodied over-skirt which has satin fabric tufted to one side to create the look of a "bow".

There is something about this sequenced embellished cocktail dress by Scala that is oh-so-flattering.  Perhaps it's the sexy plunge v-neck or the nude color that appears to be like a second skin.  This paiette cocktail style is showered in shimmery sequence from head-to-toe. Notice the emphasis below the bust line with a belted medallion design composed of the same glitzy material.  The cut is simple but the embellishments add a level of luxury and glamour that will make any girl want to slip into this!

November Party Perks!

Avoid the holiday traffic, stress and mall crowds this season and shop my Stella & Dot eboutique! The month of November is offering a great collection of pieces at discounted prices* so kick back with a glass of wine and shop virtually, knowing you're not in the midst of the holiday hustle! 

These pieces are perfect for stocking stuffers and, with Stella & Dot's new Gift Messaging option, you can send your gifts directly to your recipient with a personalized note!

 Click here to shop, select "find your hostess" and enter my name to receive these perks!
(*trunk show ends November 14th so shop before then! Must spend $50 to receive discounted prices) 

Jardin Ring
On Sale for $33*


This is the perfect piece for fall and fits right in with the floral trend!

Paige Chandelier Earrings
On Sale for $49*


Add some flare to your holiday party outfits with these statement earrings.  The perfect partner for your LBD!


 

Garden Party Dot Earrings
On Sale for $21*

Have a lot of friends to buy for? At $21* a piece, these are the best earrings for gift giving and at a great discounted price! Each dot is hand-painted with a berry color, just right hue for the holiday season.




Berry Cocktail Ring
On Sale for $29*

Glass stones are hand-painted to create a gorgeous brooch-like ring.  Pair this with the La Coco Brooch necklace in gold for a match made in jewelry heaven.

Nadia Embroidered Cuff
On Sale for $110*

Embroidered pieces are a hot trend for fall.  Swarovski Crystals are hand embroidered into silk fabric to create this remarkable cuff. Originally $148 this is a one-time steal for a beautifully crafted piece. 

Get Laced

In a tough economy, the look of delicate lace is softening things up.  You'll see lace everywhere from leggings to scarves, dresses to accessories and even on some shoes.  Don't overdo your lace look as this can result in a cheap interpretation of a dainty fabric that is more-or-less meant to add texture to an outfit rather than being the outfit. The great thing about the modern-day lace look is that you can dress it up fancy or dress it down casual. 

Forever 21's Floral Lace Yoke Top is a great way to incorporate your lace in a casual look.  This is a fresh approach of a relaxed fit top with lace detailing.  The lace extends from the front scoop-neck yoke around the back without crossing the line into formal attire.  At only $19.80, this look can't be beat.

If you are on a budget and want a dressy lace top, this Lace Cap Sleeve Top, also from Forever 21, is a great find.  Although the entire surface of the top is dressed in lace, it is lined with fabric from the bust-line down, muting the lace so it's not overbearing.  From a distance it appears as though you are wearing a solid top that has lace detailing from the neckline to the cap sleeves, however, up close, elegance emerges throughout! This is all the texture you need in your outfit so pair this top with sleek trousers and simple accessories.

White House Black Market has a fabulous Lace Peep Toe Pump. The texture of this lace is so elegant and characteristic that the shoe stands as a statement piece alone.  Embroidery-like lace is draped over black satin fabric which makes the design even more luxurious.

Men's Fashion Friday: Get Cozy with Cashmere

Cashmere has been around for a while, but how many of you men out there actually appreciate Cashmere? A quick lesson in cashmere: this soft, naturally insulating but lightweight fabric comes from the underbelly fibers of the Cashmere Goat, so it's actually a type of wool. Unfortunately, prices can be steep for a garment made of 100% cashmere due to its extensive production process and because it can take up to six cashmere goats to make just one sweater!
  
Cashmere fibers actually grow as a double fleece with a straighter, coarser coating of hair. Because of this, when the goats are being de-haired, the coarse hair has to be separated from the finer, softer hair. Once the hair is separated, it still has to be treated, washed, dyed and spun.  Not to mention, these goats are season sensitive, so cashmere is collected during the spring as their winter coats are being shed which means the short spring season is packed with the production of cashmere.  Nonetheless, the final product is amazing, soft, plush, cozy and irresistible!  Find an abundance of cashmere this fall to keep you warm this winter!

J. Crew has a classic solid-cashmere scarf you'll want to wrap around your neck and never take off.  This scarf is available in six different colors from umber (pictured) to salsa (red).  Purchase this as your basic, solid scarf and layer it with a less-expensive printed piece for a trendy fall look.

J. Crew's Cashmere V-Neck Sweater is offered in an abundance of colors.  This garment is available in regular sizes for $198 or tall sizes for $193 and is sure to last you a lifetime. The investment may seem steep, however, seasons down the road when you're still pulling it out of your closet, you'll think back on how much it was worth it. Wear this over a sophisticated striped shirt for some pop.

J. Crew also wants to ensure that your investment in cashmere is sure to last with their Cashmere Care Collection. Get the kit that has a comb for you to brush away natural pilling and a cedar ball to keep the moths away. Even launder your cashmere with a cashmere wash and spray, specially formulated to keep the fibers soft and infused with lavender to also help keep the moths away.

Banana Republic's Contrast V-Neck Silk and Cashmere Blended Sweater is composed of two luxury fabrics in one with a two-toned v-neck collar added for design detailing. Priced at $100, it's destine to last you years to come.