Casual Khaki: The Boyfriend Chino

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A great alternative to jeans is the slouchy boyfriend chino. This versatile style pant lives in a casual environment but with a few fancy basics can also be spruced up.

I love these pants ‘banged-up’ a bit. With some distress, worn spots and/or small holes – they look ‘lived-in’ and not as stiff/starchy.

Casual pairings are a cinch, as you can wear with anything – similar to denim. Dress-up your boyfriend chinos with fancy basics: beaded top, black blazer, sky-high pump.

Available in all colors and prints (camo!), here are a few favorites:

AG Adriano Goldschmied ~ Cropped Boyfriend Khaki Pants: $205.00

Vince ~ Boyfriend Trousers: $195.00

Current/Elliott ~ ‘The Buddy’ Print Twill Trousers: $238.00

Rag and Bone ~ Portobello Pants: $176.00

Old Navy ~ Boyfriend Skinny Khakis: $29.94

How To: Subdued Sequins

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Looking ahead to party season, nothing screams the holidays like a little sparkle. Incorporating sequins into your wardrobe can be troublesome. Too many times sequin pieces end up looking more Vegas Showgirl or Dancing with the Stars. The easiest way to wear sequins is to dress it down. With a little subtly, sequins can be both daytime and nighttime friendly.

The recipe is simple: Add one part sequin to one part casual wear. Weather you choose a sequin bottom or top, temper the pizzazz with a piece of casual wear.

Casual Wear: Tops: Tanks, Tees, Sweatshirts, Sweaters, Button-downs. Bottoms: Jeans, Cargo Pants, Leggings, Shorts.

Sequins is a great way to command attention at a holiday soiree. With the right layers and accessories, this look can work all year long.

Rag and Bone ~ Sandra Pullover: $350.00

Old Navy ~ Vintage – Style V-Neck Tees: $7.50

Alexander Wang ~ T by Alexander Wang – Classic Tank: $77.00

Zoe Karssen ~ Paris Can Wait Tee: $77.78

Michael Kors ~ Sequin Maxi Skirt: $150.00

5 under $50: Summer Shorts

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Stock up on summer shorts now. Available on the cheap everywhere, great sales and deals makes this easy. Here are 5 under $50.00:

J.Crew ~ Stretch Twill Shorts: $49.50

Delias ~ Garden Flower Shorts: $29.50

Quiksilver ~ Chambray Stripe Shorts: $39.60

Old Navy ~ Twill Cut-off Shorts: $18.97

Topshop ~ Floral Texture Runner Shorts: $36.00

Bare Necessities: Summer Intimates

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During the summer months keep cool with lightweight bare-ly-there lingerie. Subject your intimates drawer to the same seasonal overhaul that your closet goes through. Put away the flannels and free the feather-weight options.

Opt for thin, lace skivvies, comfortable bralettes and seamless boyshorts. Sleep in delicate rompers, cami-sets and free-flowing tanks. With these comfortable and cool bare-ly there options your body and boyfriend will thank you.

Here are a few of my favorite bare necessities for summer:

Madewell ~ Perfect Racerback Tank: $25.00

Commando ~ Girl Short: $26.00

Victoria Secret ~ Lace Bandeau: $17.50

Victoria Secret ~ Lace Bralette: $24.50

Aubin & Willis ~ Hurstdene Polka-Dor Silk Pajama Playsuit: $85.o0

Cosabella ~ Dolce Soft Bra: $52.50

Cosabella ~ Dolce Boyshort: $35.00

Old Navy ~ Tank & Short Lounge Sets: $14.94

Hanky Panky ~ Signature Lace Low Rise Thong: $20.00

5 under $50: Electric Belts

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Add some color to an outfit with a brightly-hued belt. From pastel to neon, a solid-colored belt will add dimension to an outfit as well as a pop of color. A simple belt accentuates not only the ensemble but the figure. Cinched at the waist, these belts provide figure-friendly curves. Pick your favorite color pattern, then pick up one (or a couple) of these electric belts, all under $50.00.

J.Crew ~ Patent Leather Skinny Belt: $36.50

Asos ~ FLURO Skinny Belt: $10.74

Mango ~ TOUCH Two Buckle Belt: $34.99

Banana Republic ~ Skinny Lizard Belt: $34.50

Old Navy ~ Skinny Faux-Patent Belt: $15.00

Back to Basics: Layering Favorites

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Layering articles of clothing is not only practical but stylish. The art of layering will create insulation to keep you warm but will also lay the foundation for a very versatile wardrobe.

Start with your favorite basics. When shopping for basics, buy for comfort and quality. This will ensure getting the most wear out of the article of clothing. Then… buy in quantity. If you love a particular piece – purchase in different colors, patterns or styles.

For instance,  H&M tanks and camis are great – they are cheap, come in an array of colors/patterns and are made long in length. It is quite difficult to find a good tank, long enough to cover the bum when wearing leggings or tights. These tanks will also layer beautifully under just about anything, without any added bulk.

Old Navy is another great place to find layering basics. I love the light-weight v-necks and crew-necks. They are soft, comfortable, inexpensive and come in great basic colors. I wear them everywhere from the gym to work. On their own, accessorized with a great scarf or layered under a sequin/leather/boyfriend blazer to create a textured-casual look.

When it comes to quality, Splendid and KAIN Label, are unbeatable. They both provide silk blend basics that are extraordinarily comfortable and styles that are continuously on trend each season. These are the best basic pieces to collect each season, that will last a lifetime.

What are your favorite basics?

Boot Dupe: Isabel Marant Dicker Boot

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The coveted Isabel Marant Dicker Boot is in great demand this season, and not to mention, sold out in most stores. The suede ankle boots have quickly become a must-have item for Fall Fashion. Adorned by celebrities and fashionistas everywhere, the Dicker Boot appears to agree with anything paired with it. It’s proven versatility and range represents effortless style that can be worn all-year-round.

With a price tag of around $600, I have scoured the web in search of similar – more affordable – options. Each replica is a great rendition of a classic ankle boot and are available in black, tan, brown/cognac. Create a standout casual style with these worthy advisories.

Steve Madden ~ Pembrook: $99.98

Dolce Vita ~ Jamison Ankle Boot: $119.00

Report ~ Marks Bootie: $98.95

Old Navy ~ Faux-Leather Ankle Boots: $22.99