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.

Festival Fashion Favorites

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From Coachella to Bonnaroo, festival season is in full swing. If you’ve ever wanted to try-out crop tops, flower crowns, flowing maxis and fringy frocks this is the time (and maybe all at once). These festivals are just as much about the fashion as it is about the talent on stage. Here are a few of my favorite festival looks:

Mara Hoffman ~ Psychic Readings Maxi Dress: $242.00

Étoile Isabel Marant ~ Salome Printed Cotton Shorts: $225.00

Free People ~ Convertable Romper: $98.00

KSUBI ~ Alberceque Distressed Denim Shorts: $180.00

Free People ~ FP ONE Imperial Palm Pintuck Dress: $118.00

Festive Finds: Jumpsuits

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An ultra-modern alternative to the classic cocktail dress are jumpsuits. Easy and versatile, the jumpsuit is a fashion-forward option for a holiday event or New Years Eve. From casual to chic, there are a  plethora of cool iterations to this playful piece.

Choose solid colors and sophisticated fabrics for an evening-appropriate aesthetic. Available in straight leg or wide leg, the jumpsuit is comfortable and figure-flattering. Show off your best feature by choosing between halter top, tube top or one-shoulder options. With so many variations of this classic ensemble, it might be hard to choose just one:

Here are a few of my favorites:

BCBG MAX AZRIA: Beaute Lace Jumpsuit: $248.00

Catherine Malandrino:  Favorite Jersey Jumpsuit: $395.00

Rachel Pally: Heathcliff Jumpsuit: $242.00

BCBG MAX AZRIA: Leeo Draped One-Shoulder Jumpsuit: $248.00

Rachel Zoe: Edith Shawl Collar Jumpsuit: $197.97 (sale)

Festive Frocks: LRD

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Get in the holiday spirit this season with a classic LRD. The blushing alternative to black, the little red dress combines a spirited color palette and holiday flare that will sizzle at any event this season.

When wearing red… think sophisticated not cheap. Look for sharp lines, great design and a fairly conservative cut. Pair with neutrals like black or nude and try not to over accessorize. Keep it simple, keep it chic.

Here are a few of my favorite festive frocks:

Splendid ~ Washed-Crepe Shirt Dress: $110.00

Alice + Olivia ~ Peplum Knit Dress: $264.00

Three Floor ~ Bad Girl Dress: $308.00

Black Halo ~ Jackie Belted Gabardine Sheath Dress: $345.00

Miu Miu ~ Flared Stretch-Jersey Dress: $595.00

Jagged Edge: Asymmetric Sweaters

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Tired of boring, old cable-knit sweaters? Try something new with an asymmetric hemline. It is not a huge change, but a subtle update that gives cold-weather wear a little edge.

These sweaters work best with layers that emphasize the design. Coordinate opposing color schemes to show-off the sleek lines. Then pair with leggings, skinny jeans or leathers for a look that says snuggly not sloppy.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Helmut Lang ~ Asymmetric Sweater: $276.50 (sale)

T by Alexander Wang ~ Asymmetric Ribbed Open-Knit Tunic: $98.00 (sale)

Mango ~ Alpaca Wool Asymmetric Sweater: $59.99

2ND DAY ~ Medium Grey Heather Stinne Pullover: $285.00

The Classics: Denim Shirt

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A perfect foundation to any outfit, the denim shirt is a timeless attribute to have in your collection.

Just like a trusty pair of jeans, the shirt is available in many washes and styles: dark wash, light wash, deconstructed, western style, classic style.

The denim shirt provides the perfect juxtaposition to this season’s floral dresses and skirts. It can be worn as a jacket/cover-up over these items or tucked-in for a more classic look. A great way to “casual-ize” an outfit is to pair this shirt with your favorite leather shorts or pants for a great daytime look. Or dress it up by adding a blazer or tuxedo jacket. Lastly, throw on over your bikini – for an easy summer cover-up.

The versatile denim shirt is a classic. An item that will never go out-of-style. Find one that suits your style.

Madewell ~ Wayward Jean Shirt: $88.00

Boy. by Band of Outsiders ~ Cotton-Chambray Shirt: $305.00

J.Crew ~ Denim Western Shirt: $118.00

Mango ~ Long Sleeves Denim Shirt: $54.99