Distressed Denim: Rag & Bone The Skinny Jean

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The Skinny Jean by Rag & Bone combines an effortlessly casual style with a hint of sophistication. The distressed detail on these jeans is very subtle and wearable. Placed perfectly at the knees, they are incredibly comfortable and have just the right amount of “give.”

These jeans marry well with just about anything – from oversized knits and boots to beaded blazers and pumps. While distressed denim is an easy DIY project, (How To – HERE) brands like Rag and Bone have taken the time to perfect placement, size and amout of distress in their pieces. The jeans will never look sloppy or overdone. Wear and tear your denim this season with Rag & Bone – The Skinny Jean.

Trench Time: Club Monaco Harper Trench

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There are a few wardrobe staples that every girl should splurge on and a trench coat is one of them. Synonymous with Fall, a trench coat is a classic coat that can be worn again and again, season after season, year after year.

Each season, the classic silhouette is updated to suit upcoming trends; cropped, long, textured, printed, metallic. I am a big believer of – if it ain’t broke… The classic design has been around since World War I and is still going strong.

Two qualities of my perfect trench coat are classic in design and beautifully tailored. My current favorite is the Harper Trench by Club Monaco. It features the classic double-breasted style with button closure and belted sleeve hem. The fit is strong but feminine and very flattering.

A trench coat is a versatile fashion piece that can be worn with both light and heavy layers. Rain or shine the trench coat is a classic and chic must-have.

Heavy Metal: Metallic Trend

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The runways for Fall 2012 were ablaze with molten-like metals in gold, bronze, silver and jewel-tones. Metallics glimmered in the form of dresses, denim, skirts, shoes and bags. Interpreting runway looks into everyday life can be tricky. Embrace this trend with wearable pieces that will make an impact all season long.

Since metallics create such a bold statement, wearing too many at once can cheapen a look. Choose one key piece (cigarette pant, pencil skirt, statement bag) and let it be the star of the show. Pair these pieces with basic neutrals. Try a cozy knit sweater/slouchy boyfriend sweater for ultimate comfort and understated style. For a dressier look, pair with a structured blazer that will not draw attention from the showcased piece. Keep accessories basic or forfeit them completely.

Metallics offer a fun way to freshen up your look for Fall and update your wardrobe for a new season. Here are a few of my favorite pieces:

J Brand ~ 9202 Low-Rise Metallic Coated Legging: $249.00

Alice + Olivia ~ Connie Metallic Flounce Coat: $798.00

Tibi ~ Lurex Jacquard Strapless Dress: $485.00

AllSaints ~ Metal Pencil Skirt: $95.00

Diane von Furstenberg ~ Tonda Metallic Clutch: $395.00

Jimmy Choo ~ Anouk Metallic Leather Pumps: $650.00

Topshop ~ Jacquard Metallic Shorts: $60.00

Season-less Staple: Rachel Roy 24 Hour Dress

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Transition from day to night / summer to fall with effortless style in Rachel Roy’s 24 Hour Dress. 

A conceptual design for 24 hour functionality, this comfortable dress works in the daytime, nighttime, work-time and party-time. The ruching at the waist and deep pockets provide a relaxed, unencumbered, figure-flattering style. Chic and impeccably tailored, the 24 Hour Dress is extremely affordable at around $89.00.

Strap on some sandals or flat boots, add a panama and gold bracelets for an easy daytime look. Take this dress into night with pumps or booties, pattern tights and jewels or a simple belt – any width, color, design.

Each season this dress is slighted altered in color and material, but never the style. In past collections, this dress has been made of velvet, splattered with paint and shined in metallics. Also sold at Macys, the 24 Hour Dress is available in black all-year-round.

Perennial Swimwear: J.Crew String Bikini

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The string bikini is a staple of summer. Comfortable and versatile this style of swimwear will never stray from trend or fashion.

I purchase at least one J.Crew String Bikini per season. They are simple, honest and perennial. A straight-forward style that fit the same each year and continue to be available in trendy colors and patterns.

A string bikini combined with a mix-and-match approach to swimwear is a great combination to find your perfect suit. First, decide what you want to hide or flaunt and go from there. For instance, if you are trying to minimize a large bottom, purchase a dark color. If you want to draw attention to a flat chest, tie the string bikini in front rather than the back. If you want to elongate the legs or torso, adjust the ties on the sides accordingly.

There are so many ways to make this bikini work for you, just bite the bullet and try-it-on. Ugh… “The Dreaded First Swimsuit Try-On of the Year”. The best advice I have been given: Before you step foot into a dressing room with bikini-in-hand, make sure you are tan. Fake-it with a quick spray tan or at-home application. Trust me! It will make the experience less terrifying.

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

Handbag Trend: Bright Neon

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Spice up dreary winter fashion with neon hues. Fluorescent-colored bags are radiating in stores everywhere. These high-wattage accessories can add a fresh and fun look to wardrobe staples.

Incorporate neon pieces into your closet this season. Paired with black, a pop of glowing color presents a more stimulating look. Vivid colors can bring-out tones and details in patterns, prints and florals and coupled with neutrals, neons with look sharp and modern.

The neon trend continues to glow year after year. This season create your own fresh take on the trend.

Net-A-Porter ~ Marc by Marc Jacobs: Neon Croc-Effect Leather Shoulder Bag: $495.00

Bloomingdale’s ~ The Cambridge Satchel Company: Fluorescent Satchel-Neon: $155.00

Barneys New York ~ Givenchy Medium Leather Nightingale: $2265.00

Neiman Marcus ~ Michael Kors: Gia Ostrich -Embossed Leather Clutch, Neon Pink: $450.00

Spring Forecast: Fashion Trends

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From electric neons to practical pastels, Spring 2012 Fashion Week hosted colorful and wearable fashion trends. From New York to Milan, there were many noticeable patterns and trends from the designers collections.

Shocking Neons and Electric Brights were glowing at Nanette Lepore. Though we have seen this trend before, Spring 2012 viewed a more feminine nature rather than an 80’s interpretation.

Animal Prints and Tribal Patterns were let loose at Michael Kors. A trend that re-invents itself every spring, this season it looks like a lot more texture has been added. A wealth of beading, metal and wood embellish the prints.

Bold Floral Prints sprouted up at J.Crew. Floral prints in Spring…Shocking! However, this season the prints are stronger/bolder and less “pretty.” Bright colors and loud patterns engulf entire outfits, i.e pant suits and jumpers.

Pretty Pastels speckled the runway at 3.1 Phillip Lim. This was the most obvious trend for the season. Washes of lavender, spearmint and blush flooded the runways. A pastel palette in Spring is a charming bouquet of chic and feminine style.

5 under $50: Leggings

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Versatile to wear with just about anything, leggings are a comfortable and stylish solution to outfit woes. Available in a multitude of colors, textures and patterns leggings continue to evolve each season.

Leggings Tips & Tricks:

❄ To avoid looking tacky, think of leggings as tights rather than pants. Choose longer tunics/blouses/tops to camouflage the obvious.

❄ Transition summer dresses and skirts into winter by adding simple leggings and a great leather jacket.

❄ Texture is key for a night look. Try metallic or liquid leggings paired with simple sweaters/blouses/tops.

❄ Incorporate fancy flats, boots or a matching pump; monochromatic footwear will make legs appear longer and leaner.

Leggings are an easy way to stretch your wardrobe, here are 5 lovely leggings under $50.00.

Target ~ Merona Women’s Lounge Leggings: $12.99

ASOS ~ Leggings in Metallic Knit: $26.96

Victoria’s Secret ~ Liquid Leggings: $39.50

Topshop ~ Burgundy Velvet Legging: $45.00

Forever 21 ~ Winter Wonderland Legging: $15.80

Shoe Symmetry: DVF Olivia

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DVF Olivia

There must be some sort of inertia that pulls me towards Diane Von Furstenberg’s new shoe creation each season. The Olivia wedge sandal is my latest obsession.

The architecture of this shoe is crisp and perfectly symmetrical. The wedge design adds comfort and stability. The two-tone feature is subtle and polished and the suede trim provides texture and refinement.

The Olivia is extremely flattering on. The porportions hit just right to lengthen the leg and slim the ankles.

This is a great addition to anyone’s collection, as it can be worn in any season. Paired with a sundress or wide-leg pants, the Olivia will ornament any ensemble.