Five Favorites: SweatPants

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Wear sweatpants to work… yes please!

The fancier the shoe – the fancier outfit. If you want to dress-up these sweats – pull focus to the shoe.

Madewell: Marles Slouch Sweatpants -$95.00

Splendid: Melange Sweatpants: $98.00

Rag and Bone: Easy Sweatpant – $350.00

The Kooples: Side Stripe Sweatpants – $195.00

T by Alexander Wang: Fleece Sweatpants – $195.00

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

Five Favorites: Valentine’s Day

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This Valentine’s Day wear an outfit that creates confidence and makes you feel good. Whether you are going for a casual look, sweet or sexy, the best accessory to any outfit is confidence.

Build this confidence with color, shape or style. Wear a bright/bold color or flaunt your favorite body part – let your personal style shine through.

Here are a few favorite “confidence builders”:

Tibi ~ Silk Faille Full Skirt: $525.00

Splendid ~ Stretch Cotton & Modal-Blend Jersey Maxi Dress: $118.00

Faith Connextion ~ Mixed Sequin Dress: $870.00

Mango ~ Suede Dress: $119.99

Diane von Furstenberg ~ Mateo Silk-Blend Wrap-Effect Dress: $365.00

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

Summer Favorite: White Maxi Dress

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The versatile white maxi dress is a summer essential. Worn day or night, these dresses are light, breezy and comfy.

For daytime, play with some detailed sandals and fun accessories. Gold looks great with white – try-on a ton of gold bangles or bracelets. For nighttime, switch it up with some wedges and a statement accessory. A bold necklace or vibrant earrings will shine against the all-white canvas.

To avoid looking matrimonial, accessorize wisely. Add some color or texture with a belt or scarf. Try to steer clear from head-to-toe white.

Ella Moss ~ Havana Voile Convertible Maxi Skirt/Dress: $168.00

Splendid ~ Maxi Dress: $128.00

Haute Hippie ~ T-Shirt Dress: $195.00

Young Fabulous & Broke ~ Sydney Strapless Dress: $145.00

Mara Hoffman ~ Embroidered Maxi Dress: $192.00 (sale)

New Rules: Bright Whites

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Societal standards for seasonal clothing have been relaxed since the 1960s. Only those interested in following old-fashion/prehistoric rules believe that women are not supposed to wear white before Memorial Day and after Labor Day. Throw those silly rules out the window, pick-up some bright whites and wear them whenever you like.

“Summer Whites” are crisp, clean and classic. Not only does the lighter color keep you cool by reflecting the sun’s rays on sweltering days, but nothing goes better with tanned skin.

Basic whites to have on-hand this summer, include:

› A classic white button-down is essential to any wardrobe. Worn over dresses, bikinis or on it’s own, a button-down will give just the right amount of coverage on summer days.

› Go beyond the basic white tank with a more detailed and flowy option. There are a ton of lace, crochet and embellished white tanks to choose from.

› White looks especially good with summer’s brightest tones. Colors like coral, yellow, turquoise even neons are universally flattering and make everyone look fresh and pretty. Try a white skirt and a bold top, or a crisp white blouse with a pair of hot-hued pants.

› Use white as an accent. Enameled white jewelry, bag or scarf will help you get your white fix without going overboard.

› A great-fitting pair of white jeans is a summer staple. Period. They look great with just about everything and every heel height, from towering stilettos to basic flats or sandals.

› To pull off an all-white look, go for a pair of nude or metallic shoes, you want a neutral that doesn’t detract from the white. To keep it from looking too ‘clinical’, show some skin in a low-cut blouse or shorts.

Look fresh in “summer whites” with these clean and crisp pieces.

AG Jeans ~ The Robyn Jacket: $198.00

Club Monaco ~ Kimberly Floral Tunic: 149.50

Rag and Bone ~ Dart Jacket: $535.00

BB Dakota ~ Rasalyn Tank: $ 65.00

Victoria’s Secret ~ The Boyfriend Shirt: $49.50

Kate Spade ~Park Guell Long Necklace in White: $128.00

Trina Turk ~ Enamel Brick Gold & White Bangle Bracelet: $98.00

Love Quotes ~ Linen Scarf in Peace: $98.00

Dolce Vita ~ Archer Flat Sandal: $69.00

J.Crew ~ String Bikini: $78.00

BCBGMAXAZRIA ~ Runway Keylene Dress: $398.00

Zara ~ Skirt with Paillettes: $79.90

J.Crew ~ Ankle Stretch Toothpick Jean in White Denim: $125.00

Nightcap Clothing ~ Fringe Shorts: 143.00

Splendid ~ Maxi Tube Skirt/Dress: $83.00

Sailor Style: Boat Shoes

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Set sail this summer with a new pair of boat shoes. A modern-day take on an American classic have been given a fresh dose of color and style. Whether you like pastel, neon, or neutral shades, there’s bound to be a boat shoe out there for you.

Discover your inner prepster by pairing these shoes with colored denim and crisp button-down or polo. Or play it casual with a simple pair of cut-offs and tee. These comfortable slip-ons must be worn sans socks, making them perfect for summer style.

The boat shoe is a timeless classic made for fun-in-the-sun. Here are a few fresh styles:

Sperry Top-Siders ~ Women’s Cloud Logo Authentic Original 2-Eye Boat Shoe: $75.00

Steve Madden ~ Yachtt: $49.95

Croft & Barrow ~ Boat Shoes: $35.99

Splendid ~ Mandarin: $79.00

Bed Stu ~ Auntie Bettie Tan Greenland Shoes: $75.00

Roxy ~ Ahoy Shoes: $39.00

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?

Weekend Ensemble: Splendid

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This weekend get cozy in a long shawl-like sweater.

The Pointelle Cowl Wrap by Splendid is comfortable and effortless. The asymmetrical hem provides a cascading style that pairs well with a dark pant.

Throw one side of this sweater over the shoulder and button for a shawl-like effect. Or for an added touch, belt this sweater to accentuate the waist.

Layering this sweater with a silky blouse adds texture and dimension. Keep items simple and unadorned to create this chic look

 

Have a great weekend!

Ashling