5 Favorites: Maxi Dress

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The best item to have in your closet for a “what to wear” moment – the maxi dress. This versatile item is an all-in-one ensemble that works for almost any occasion. From bright colors and bold prints to strong slits and cinched waists – there is a maxi out there for everyone. Here are a few of my favorite finds:

Monrow ~ T Back Racer V Tank Dress: $76.00

Rebecca Taylor ~ Paisley Gown: $395.00

BCBGeneration ~ Slit Maxi Dress: $101.99

Raquel Allegra ~ Tie-Dye Silk Maxi: $680.00

Splendid ~ Always Hi Lo Maxi Dress: $118.00

The Classics: J Brand Black Skinny

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Like fine wine, the J Brand Black Skinny only gets better with age. Known for both comfort and style, J Brand (btw: ‘J’ stands for Jeff – Jeff Rudes owner) creates great basics that last. The J Brand Black Skinny is the only black skinny I may ever buy. No fading and no stretching – this classic should be a staple in every woman’s closet.

Bored of black denim? Reinvent your day-to-day classics. If you have exhausted all combinations in your closet – mix-it-up with a great shoe or accessory. Try a colorful or embellished flat or rugged ankle boot. However, if you are not six feet tall, ankle boots can be tricky. Paired with skinny jeans they can make you look stumpy.  The key to wearing ankle boots with skinny jeans is to create a continuous line. This means wearing dark rinse blue jeans with black ankle boots, or black jeans with a dark gray pair of ankle boots. The colors do not have to match exactly, but should be close enough that there’s no significant break when one ends and the other begins.

Keep it classic and style your J Brand Skinnies with sophisticated black and white pieces. Always on trend and deceptively simple, the black and white combination looks polished and fresh.

When it comes to the classics, investing in great pieces makes a world of difference. These J Brand Skinnies will outlast the next three pairs of less expensive versions bought. Save yourself the time and headache and buy the best.

Festive Finds: Holiday Alternatives

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OR…

‘Tis the season for holiday parties and events, galore. While finding the perfect dress is almost as traditional as mistletoe, change it up this season with holiday alternatives. Try a trendy top or bedazzled bottom and pair with a basic. With at least one of these items already hanging in your closet, prepping for numerous holiday events is a cinch.

Try pairing a great ostrich feather skirt or sequin shorts with a simple tee or button-down. Or opt for some party pants – available everywhere in different colors, patterns and textures they will instantly create a luxe look.

Pair your favorite jeans or slender black pants with a trendy peplum top or festive blazer. Look for simple, yet ornate seperates to make any outfit sparkle.

Simple Top:

KAIN Label ~ Pocket Tank: $80.00

Milly ~ Ostrich Feather-Trim Mini Skirt: $350.00

Tibi ~ Cotton Brocade Pants: $475.00

Growze ~ Sequins Shorts: $150.00

Basic Bottom:

7 for all Mankind ~ The Slim Cigarette Stretch Jeans: $198.00

Alberta Ferretti~ Sequin-Embellished Tulle Top: $795.00

Rag and Bone ~ Silver Tuxedo: $895.00

Tibi ~ Sleeveless Peplum Top: $385.00

Shop Your Closet: One Style/Four Outfits

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Style simple pieces of clothing with a belt and increase the versatility in your closet. From rompers to maxi dresses, a belt can effortlessly add interest to any outfit. Not only is cinching the waist with a belt figure-friendly, it can provide a more casual style to dressy pieces. Thus, enabling you to get more wear out of items in your closet.

Look for simple, subdued belts. A lot of bells and whistles will pull all the focus to `it. I love buttery-soft brown leather belts, distressed and treated to look as though you have had it for years. (Favorite Brands: J.Crew/Lucky Brand/Free People/H&M) 

Next time you are in a pinch… cinch!

Revolve Clothing ~ Blue Life: All Day/All Nighter Jumper: $132.00

Net-A-Porter ~ Michael Kors: Belted Crepe-Jersey Jumpsuit: $140.00

Shopbop ~ Only Hearts: Long Gown: $64.00

Shopbop ~ Only Hearts: Keyhole Romper: $106.00

Tailor Time: Boyfriend Blazer

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Time for Spring Cleaning. Instead of giving away staple pieces in your closet, alter them. With a small tweak, these items can be born again.

Almost everyone has a black blazer in their closet. Give this blazer new life by simply adding material to the collar. Check out your local fabric store and look at different textures and fabrics; leather, pleather, suede, jersey, corduroy, sateen, velvet. Experiment with patterns and colors, maybe opt for houndstooth or brown distressed leather. The possibilities are endless.

When altering a piece of clothing, I suggest first asking your local tailor for two quotes – with and without materials. When happy with the price and materials used – you just created a brand new blazer.

Fall Transition: 3.1 Phillip Lim Fishtail Sweater

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Summer is quickly coming to an end. Transition into fall style facilely with one simple piece. A comfy knit sweater can pair with any of your summer-basics: maxi dress, maxi skirt, flirty skirt or cut-off jean shorts. Inevitably already in your closet, a heather gray sweater coordinates impeccably with many color palettes and prints.

This fine-knit fishtail sweater by 3.1 Phillip Lim adds a nice twist to the run-of-the-mill sweater. The fishtail detail provides a modern edge and complimentary shape. Pair this piece with Fall’s snakeskin pant or leather shorts for an effortlessly casual style.

Items Pictured:

Tbags Los Angeles – Maxi Dress ~ $185.00

Alice + Olivia – Shannon Pleated Long Skirt ~ $396.00

3.1 Phillip Lim – Fine-Knit Fishtail Sweater ~ $245.oo

Skinny Belts: H&M 3-Pack Belts

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H&M 3-Pack Belts

H&M 3-Pack Belts are an inexpensive option to incorporate in everyday style.

The skinny style belts are available in two separate sets, Lion Yellow and Mole. The neutral set, Lion Yellow, come with brown, black and mustard. The pastel set, Mole, come with rose, dusty blue and taupe.

Cinch these belts around dresses, tunics or skirts. Or pair with new Fall denim trends like cognac or wine-dyed denim. No matter how they are worn, these 3-pack belts are a great option to have available in your closet.