Five Favorites: Peasant Top

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Peasant tops are are great transitioning piece from cold to warm weather. Available in basic neutrals or super bright colors – these tops are both relaxed and casual.

Slip into a breezy peasant top and pair with your favorite denim, white and/or colored. Equally cute with shorts and skirts, marry the look with some ankle boots and a floppy hat. Peasant tops also make a great beach coverup.

Designers continue to offer peasants tops in many styles but the one constant is their flowy and breezy nature. Appealing to all body types, this top will work hard in your closet all-year-long.

Here are five favorites:

Joie ~ Meliana Embroidered Gauze Blouse: $198.00

Urban Outfitters ~ Ecote Split Back Embroidered Tank Top: $49.00

Anthropologie ~ Embroidered Aureolin Tunic: $98.00

Urban Outfitters ~ Embroidered Bazaar Cami: $54.00

Free People ~ Rolling Stone Woven Top: $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

Seasonal Staple: Sweater Dress

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Nothing marries warmth and style better than a sweater dress. This Fall classic is a no-fail, wardrobe staple that works as office-wear, casual-wear and party-wear.

Perfect for layering, the sweater dress can double as an oversized top. Pair with skinny jeans or leather leggings for additional warmth and style. The sweater dress is easy to accessorize and begs for a great piece of jewelry, rugged leather jacket, faux fur or luxe leather boot.

A great option for this holiday season, the sweater dress will work for any occasion.

Here are a few of my favorites:

C&C California ~ 3/4 Sleeve Sweater Dress: $117.60 (sale)

BCBGMAXAZRIA ~ Knit Lambswool Dress with Tubular Detailing: $218.00

JCrew ~ Cashmere Tee Dress: $278.00

Philosophy Di Alberta Ferretti ~ Long Sleeve Sweater Dress: $695.00

BCBGMAXAZRIA ~ Pailey Sweater Dress: $194.60 (sale)

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)

Western Style: H by Hudson Riley Mid Boot

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Saddle-up in style with a Western-inspired boot. H by Hudson’s Riley Mid Boot is that perfect mix of rugged utility and sophistication.

The perfect kickstart to your Fall wardrobe, this boot provides comfort and relaxed style with gently-worn leather and chunky Cuban heel.

The H by Hudson Riley Mid Boot has the ability to dress things up or work as a chic but casual option. Pair with your favorite designer jeans or feminine floral dress. No matter what you choose you will add a bit of style to your stride.

About Hudson:

Born in 1990, Hudson has been putting their best foot forward for more than two decades with its high quality, affordable shoes. Acknowledging trends and giving them our own idiosyncratic twist is the cornerstone of the Hudson philosophy. Whether it’s music, art, style icons or film, there is always inspiration to be found. Often imitated, never rivalled, Hudson will always strive to innovate, surprise and push boundaries in footwear design.

Utilitarian Style: The Transport Rucksack by Madewell

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Functional and fashionable, the backpack is making a comeback. Unlike the “mini backpack” trend of the early 90’s, today’s modern knapsack has more weight and structure.

The Transport Rucksack by Madewell has a traditional, utilitarian style with simple gold details. Durable and lightweight, this backpack is perfect for travel, school or simple daytime activities. Carry all of your essentials effortlessly, hands and hassel-free.

The English Saddle color makes this a practical choice for everyday. The softly worn leather will only get better with time. These items look best with a little wear and tear.

Backpacks are most known and worn for their function rather than aethestic. However, with modern options and designs that serve both purposes –  the backpack is now more wearable than ever.

Foldable Frames: Ray-Ban Folding Aviator Sunglasses

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The most iconic Ray-Ban style has been reinvented in a small compact style. These classic sunglasses are now available in a foldable version.

The design technology of eight hinges placed on the temple and middle bridge allow for the foldability of the aviator frame. Available in a series of colors, each pair of Folding Aviator Sunglasses come in a custom pouch that fits perfectly into even the smallest clutch.

As the owner of the Folding Wayfarer I was a bit hesitant for the Aviator version. The Wayfarer is supported with thick plastic as the Aviator is thin wire. After testing, I was surprised just how durable and supportive they really are.

I can really appreciate the foldable versions of these sunglasses. I constantly break and loose sunglasses. The compact size and case ensure their safe-keeping and makes it incredibly easy to take with you everywhere.

Fall Flat: Loeffler Randall Natalie Studded Toe Flats

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The cap toe trend is evolving this Fall with a little texture. From shiny gold caps to spikes, studs and rhinestones, the simple flat is getting interesting.

A great pair of flats that can be worn with both workplace-appropriate attire and casual weekend pieces is a worthy investment. Loeffler Randall’s Natalie Studded Toe Flats fit the bill – a sleek cap toe keeps the look on-trend but still polished, while the gold studs add texture and whimsy.

The Natalie Studded Toe Flats are the perfect hybrid of comfort and style. Traverse around the city or trek to work in shoes that won’t ‘fall’ flat.

Style Your Stems: Floral Pants

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Style your stems in floral prints and patterns. A fun and fresh way to wear pants, these bold and colorful botanicals are truly statement-making.

With a little structure, these pieces look ultra fresh and modern. Don’t complicate things with a game of layers. Keep it simple. Try a cropped sweater or delicate tee for an effortless daytime look and silk cami and blazer for night. Add a great pair of sandals or heels and you have created the 1/2 & 1/2 (part elegance/part edge).

Here are a few beguiling blooms for inspiration:

Zara ~ Cropped Printed Trousers w/ Zip: $19.00 (sale) 

Tibi ~ Floral-Print Silk Crepe De Chine Pants: $330.00

Ella Moss ~ Rosa Flora Pants: $148.00

DKNY ~ Printed Stretch Silk Crepe De Chine Pants: $245.00

Cynthia Rowley ~ Zigzag Floral Bonded Leggings: $225.00

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.

Four Favorites: Flip-Flops

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Flip-flops are not only a staple in my summer uniform, but year-round. I own way too many to admit to. I have also tried too many to admit to.

My two basic needs when choosing a flip-flop: comfort and style. I do not like a lot of bells and whistles or intricate design. I stay simple and natural in color and design. These shoes should last forever and never compete with seasonal trends. Here are my four forever favorites:

J.Crew ~Vineyard Leather Flip-Flops: $49.50

Rainbow ~ Black Leather Narrow Strap: $49.00

TKEES ~ Flip-Flop: $47.95

Havaianas ~ SLIM: $26.00

Nude Attitude: HIPPxRGB Nail Foundations

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In the summer I love a brightly-colored nail. From trendy neons to tropical-inspired corals, warm weather feeds this need. However, there is nothing like the perfect nude nail polish. A polish that will never go out of style and will flatter and enhance your skin tone all-year-round. If you have ever searched for this unicorn, you know how difficult it is to find.

Last year, Celebrity Nail Stylist Jenna Hipp teamed up with RGB founder Gina Carney to create HIPPxRGB, the first skin tone specific, full coverage, all nude nail color collection. Similar to the concept of foundation for the face, Nail Foundation is the first nail color of its kind designed to match and compliment for a flawless even finish. Available in four shades – F1, F2, F3, & F4 -, Nail Foundation can be applied with two coats or worn under a favorite neutral for a custom blend with added coverage.

Genius. The only word to describe. I mix F1 and F2 to concoct the perfect nude for my skintone. By the end of summer, I may need to add a drop of F3. I love the alchemy involved with these polishes. Mix and match shades for warmer or cooler tones, depending on the season.

ABOUT RGB:

Stands for: The RGB color model is an additive color model in which red, green, and blue light are added together in various ways to reproduce a broad array of colors. The name of the model comes from the initials of the three additive primary colors, red, green, and blue.

RGB is a product line dedicated solely to nail color and care. RGB creates nail color as an extension of one’s wardrobe; we use color as an accessory. It started with the RGB Ten collection: ten iconic colors with a modern edge. Each shade is our sharp take on a classic with a straightforward name to match. While the classic ten will always remain the same, new colors are added seasonally. The chip-resistant and high shine formula is free of harmful chemicals. There is no Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP (dibutyl phthalate), Formaldehyde Resin, or Camphor in RGB products.

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

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.

Tech-Savvy Fashion: DVF Harper Connect Daybag

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Fashion meets function with Diane Von Furstenberg’s Harper Connect Daybag. Perfect for the tech-savvy fashionista, this leather bag has a special built-in compartment that keeps your Tablet or IPad secure.

Harper’s geometric structure and decorative details feels luxurious and professional. Bold brushed-gold hardware, signature turn-lock closure and removable leather tassel makes me weak at the knees. Wear however you like, Harper comes adorned with both a chain shoulder strap with leather links and an optional cross-body strap for style and comfort.

The ultimate designer bag for the girl on-the-go.

Shop Your Closet: One Style/Four Outfits

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Style simple pieces of clothing with a belt and increase the versatility in your closet. From rompers to maxi dresses, a belt can effortlessly add interest to any outfit. Not only is cinching the waist with a belt figure-friendly, it can provide a more casual style to dressy pieces. Thus, enabling you to get more wear out of items in your closet.

Look for simple, subdued belts. A lot of bells and whistles will pull all the focus to `it. I love buttery-soft brown leather belts, distressed and treated to look as though you have had it for years. (Favorite Brands: J.Crew/Lucky Brand/Free People/H&M) 

Next time you are in a pinch… cinch!

Revolve Clothing ~ Blue Life: All Day/All Nighter Jumper: $132.00

Net-A-Porter ~ Michael Kors: Belted Crepe-Jersey Jumpsuit: $140.00

Shopbop ~ Only Hearts: Long Gown: $64.00

Shopbop ~ Only Hearts: Keyhole Romper: $106.00

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.

Fashion & Function: Bleulab Reversible Denim

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Having a hard time committing to new denim trends? Try reversible. Bleulab has created a new breed of denim that is the perfect combination of fashion and function.

Bleulab’s founder and inventor Carl Jones discovered a double-faced fabric during a trip to China in 2009 and brought it back to the U.S. to begin testing various washes and treatments. The jeans’ design uses a double-headed tack button and a reversible zipper with five pockets featured on either side to achieve two distinctive looks per pair.

Built for today’s woman “an adventurer who is constantly in motion” the styles are named with that in mind: shortcut, paved, curve, rotate, detour and interhoodie.

Great for travel, reversible jeans mean more suitcase space and spending money. These jeans will take you from day-to-night with “superman-like” abilities. And lastly, I love how one is able to dive into a new trend (i.e. colored denim, coated denim, printed denim) without bellyflopping. The reversible side is always a neutral more mainstream style, wearable for years.

Double your outfit options with Bleulab.

What to Wear: Valentine’s Day

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Look irresistible this Valentine’s Day no matter how you plan on celebrating. From a fancy dinner to night out with the ladies, choose a style that makes you feel good. Sexy, sweet, flirty or romantic, here are a few options to celebrate the day of love.

Mango ~ Red Dress: $44.90

BCBGMAXAZRIA ~ BCBGGENERATION Strapless Pleated Dress: $128.00

Piperlime ~ Daniel Rainn Floral Maxi Dress: $89.00

Zara ~ Dress with Flared Skirt: $59.90

Mango ~ Striped Dress: $39.99