Currently Coveting: Vince Leather Jogging Pants

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Jogging down the runways of Alexander Wang, Isabel Marant and Michael Kors, the jogging pant is a sporty and comfortable alternative from everyday denim or leggings. Evolving from jersey, the jogger can be found in silk, satin, wool and/or leather.

The jogging pants trend introduces a new hybrid of sweatpants and haram pants. The slouchy, relaxed fit and tapered leg is very figure-friendly. A great pant to dress up, the jogger yearns for your highest, high-heel. Keep the rest casual for a perfectly chic ensemble.

I am currently coveting the Vince Leather Jogging Pants. Sporty-style with some edge.

The Sweater Coat: Vince

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Update your outerwear with a chunky knit sweater coat. The Vince Honeycomb Knit Cardigan is a perfect piece for Fall/Winter. This versatile knit can be worn under heavy coats in cold weather or on it’s own in mild weather. A reliable piece that can make any outfit more wearable.

The draping on this sweater coat falls beautifully. For an effortless and flawless look, pair with a slim pant and bootie. Like the picture, add different textures like leather that pair nicely with the honeycomb pattern. If you need a little glitz and glamour – add a jeweled broach.

Keep cozy this winter in a stylish sweater coat.

Wardrobe Staple: Denim Jacket

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The denim jacket is an easy piece to grab on your way out the door. Versatile and basic, the denim jacket will transition from season to season with effortless style.

The denim jacket is no longer limited to different washes of blue denim. The trend has evolved into prints, colors, proportions and textures. Available in cropped, leather, tweed and jersey detailing, fur, moto style, western style, stud and spike embellishments, floral and leopard print the design elements are endless.

Pair your denim topper with everything from maxi dresses to leather pants. Or wear as a layering piece under a blazer or over a hooded sweatshirt. Whatever style you choose from the basic blue to fancy floral, the denim jacket will always be a wardrobe staple.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Current/Elliott ~ ‘The Snap’ Stretch Denim Jacket: $274.00

Haute Hippie ~ Washed Floral Denim Jacket: $285.00

Rag and Bone ~ Leather Sleeve Jean Jacket: $495.00

Urban Outfitters ~ Silence & Noise Cropped Denim Moto Jacket: $79.00

By Zoe ~ Mickey Jacket: $172.00 (sale)

Peplum Punch: Tory Burch

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Tory Burch’s Madeline Peplum Sweater is a great transitional piece as we await the cold weather. The mid-weight angora and wool blend provides comfortable wear with a flattering fit. Available in Wildberry (pictured), Camel and Black, the peplum style offers a subtle twist on a classic pullover.

The fluttering peplum hem is this season’s most feminine silhouette. Toughen the look with a leather pant or bold print. Or keep it classic with a sophisticated pencil skirt or designer denim.

Sweaters are a comfortable and cozy must-have for colder months, but can get very monotonous and well… boring. Make the season’s staple more interesting with a spicy shade or fresh structure. It will brighten up even the gloomiest of days.

The Classics: Black Pump

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The classic black pump. Perfect for day or night, work or play. A shoe that will never, ever go out-of-style and with the right cobbler, will last forever. They might all look very similar, but not all pumps are created equal.

The iconic black pump is truly an “investment piece”. When considering the purchase of the perfect pump, there are several points (pun intended) to consider, including craftsmanship, quality of leather, toe shape, heel height and arch support. This is not an item that can be purchased online, one must kiss many frogs before finding a prince.

From a power suit or LBD, to a favorite pair of designer jeans, the classic black pump instantly creates a chic, put-together look. The reliable shoe is a vital component in every women’s closet. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Jimmy Choo ~ Anouk Patent Leather Point Toe Pumps: $575.00

2. Christian Louboutin ~ Decollete Calfskin Pointed-Toe Pump: $625.00

3. Manolo Blahnik ~ Manolo Blahnik BB: $595.00

4. Prada ~ Leather Point-Toe Pump: $620.00

5. Zara ~ Leather High Heeled Court Shoe: $89.90

Flat Frenzy: J.Crew Ballet Boutique

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J.Crew Spring/Summer 2012 launched an exquisite ballet collection “The Ballet Boutique.” The collection is filled with suede, leather and raffia designs, available in a variety of colors, textures and adorable embellishments.

The Cece design is handmade in Italy and constructed for comfort and style. Dubbed as their official “commuting shoe,” these flats have added padding, an elastic top, a shock-absorbing rubber sole and an interior wedge design for additional comfort and control. Fabric swatches, Pantone cards, art books even candy was used as inspiration to create one-of-a-kind colors.

Embrace this hot season trend without sacrificing comfort. With multiple styles and colors, and a price range of $58-$250, everyone is able to join the flat frenzy.

5 under $50: Wedges

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A warm-weather staple, wedges are comfortable, stylish and wonderfully chunky. Available in multiple textures, colors and prints at these prices you can have them all. Live on the ‘wedge’ with 5 under $50.00:

Charlotte Russe ~ Cross-Front Strappy Cork Wedge: $35.50

Charlotte Russe ~ 2-Band Wooden Wedge Sandal: $36.50

Piperlime ~ Qupid – Katrina:  $49.00

ALDO ~ Ellingwood: $35.00

Piperlime ~ Michael Antonio – Goldy: $49.00

Classic Wedge: STEVEN by Steve Madden Banndo

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STEVEN by Steven Madden Banndo is the perfect wedge to have in your collection. This shoe will pair perfectly with any color, pattern or style it is coupled with. The sandy suede texture has a soft, comfortable feel while the lightweight synthetic wedge adds support.

Pair these shoes with Spring florals and pastels. They are the perfect height for flared denim as well as a flattering shape for cropped. Available in leather or suede, black or tan, this classic wedge will wear perfectly all spring and summer long.

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.

NY Fashion Week Favorites: Fall 2012

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New York Fashion Week packed-up Thursday to continue on the runways in Europe. Over the past eight days, the runways were enveloped with menswear-inspired tailoring, leather, military looks, fur, winter white, metallics and colorblocking. From beautiful gowns to leather and knits here are a few looks and shows that I favored: Theyskens Theory, Derek Lam, Oscar de la Renta, Badgley Mischka, Diane von Furstenberg.

Fringe Benefits: The Clutch

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The fringe clutch is a perfect accessory for day or night. Available in bright or muted colors, shapes and styles, it is a great twist on the classic clutch. The lush cascade of leather and suede fringe create movement and personality. Carrying this item will instantly add texture and style to any ensemble. Embrace your inner free-spirit and bohemian sensibility with a fringe clutch.

ASOS ~ River Island Suede Fringe Clutch: $53.72

Nordstrom ~  Tory Burch ‘Sawla’ Fringe Clutch: $234.00

Endless.com ~ Tylie Malibu Lizzy FL1506 Clutch: $225.00

House of Harlow 1960 ~ Red Fringe Clutch: No Longer Available

The Trend Boutique ~ JJ Winters Suede Fringe Clutch: $297.00

NYE Outfit Inspiration #3: Party Shorts

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NYE Inspirations end with Party Shorts. There are so many fun shorts available, leather/sequin/bright colors. Find a pair that works for you and make them the spotlight of the outfit. In this pairing the focal point are these adorable fringe houndstooth shorts. All items coupled with the shorts are simple and structured.

Wishing everyone a fun, exciting and safe New Years! See you in 2012!

Ashling

Alexander Wang ~ Tissue Skinnyracerback Tank: $59.00

Topshop ~ Crop Back Collarless Blazer: $130.00

Topshop ~ Fringed Boucle Shorts: $75.00

Neiman Marcus ~ Jimmy Choo Abel Point-Toe Patent Pump: $495.00

Forever 21 ~ Metallic Pearl Necklace (stores only): $9.80

Wish List: Rag & Bone Capri Skinnies Coated Black

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Rag & Bone Capri Coated

Rag & Bone Capri Skinnies are at the top of my Christmas Wish List this year.

Unlike the faux-leather legging of the past, these beauties are simply coated denim. They fit like denim, can be washed like denim, but look like leather.

Comfortable and perfectly constructed, the Rag & Bone Skinnies are incredibly flattering (unlike most faux-leather leggings that make legs look like stuffed-sausages). They can be worn all year, paired with chunky cable-knit sweaters or free-flowing tanks, ankle boots or Converse sneakers. Invest in a pair of Rag & Bone’s this season, you will not regret it.

Outfit Ideas: Party Season

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Banish the party dress this season and try-on statement pieces. One item can compliment an entire outfit… skillfully.

✴ Play with texture, leather and sequins contrast nicely with knits and silk.

✴ Add a little sparkle with a sequin jacket or lamé skirt.

✴ Experiment with color, whether it be bright trousers or vivid blouse.

Here are a few statement pieces and ensembles to try during party season. Pair these items with simple coordinates to emphasize them.

Zara ~ Short Sequined Jacket: $129.00

Mango ~ Metallic Finish Skirt: $79.90

ASOS ~ Whistles Tiffany Tailored Crop Pants: $172.71

Mango ~ Leather Bermuda Shorts: $139.90

DVF ~ Elley Mini Skirt: $285.00

Weekend Ensemble: Ella Moss

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In the winter, layering is key. Be on the lookout for a great vest. Currently, there are so many different styles and textures to choose from; faux fur, leather, suede, long, cropped, draped, asymmetrical. Think of your body type when choosing a vest, cropped and belted vests can overwhelm the frame. Lengthen your silhouette with a longer style or darker color.

This weekend, experiment with layers and add a vest. Weather it be menswear-inspired or 70’s-inspired furs, it will be a great in-vest-ment.

Have a great weekend!

Ashling

Boot Week: Vince Camuto Braden Boot

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Vince Camuto Braden

Boot Week continues with the stacked heel.

The Braden Boot from Vince Camuto is a round toe boot with a western-style twist. The over-the-knee silhouette allows you to wear it as slouchy as desired. The pull-on style will pair nicely with any skinny denim or legging. The suede is soft and buttery and this taupe color will agree with everything in your closet.

Currently on sale, the price-point is fantastic. Available in leather or suede and in different colors, the Braden Boot from Vince Camuto is all it’s stacked up to be.

Tiny Tassel: Gorjana Brinkley Tassel Bracelet

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Gorjana Brinkley Tassel Bracelet

The Brinkley Tassel Bracelet by Gorjana is my favorite purchase of the week. This simple gold bracelet adds a pop of color with the perfectly-placed dangeling tassel. Available in four different tassel colors – caribbean sea, tiger lilly, tan and celery – each one is extremely darling.

The leather and studded detail of the tassel adds a nice texture to the simple gold-linked bracelet. Wear on it’s own or buy multiple Brinkleys and stack the colors together.

Iconic Bag: Proenza Schouler PS1 Satchel

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Proenza Schouler PS1

Proenza Schouler’s signature bag is the iconic PS1 Satchel. Branded as a classic satchel that embodies a sense of wearable luxury, this bag is stylish and functional.

The soft dove gray PS1 is my pick but is available in a multitude of colors and textures. The detachable shoulder strap provides numerous style options, messenger bag, shoulder bag or tote. The satchel has different compartments and pockets, perfect for everyday-use and a brass postman’s lock on the front that provides rustic detail and security.

The PS1 is a bag that can be worn for an entire lifetime.