With all the amazing and successful designer partnerships, this is one I am anticipating more than any other, right now. Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait until March 8, 2012, but here is a little sneak peek video to get you excited about this fabulous collaboration and a few of the pieces (already on my wish list). The full collection will include full pleated skirts, dresses, cropped pants and jacquard knits with a range of fabrics from silk to crisp cotton poplin. And no Marni look is complete without their accessories which will include jewelry, shoes, bags and scarves; all at H&M prices.
If you are not familiar with Marni, it’s founder and creative director, Consuelo Castiglioni, will delight you with her original prints and creative fashion spirit. She is most know for the fantastic ability to put bold prints and clashing palettes together in the most extraordinary way; making the entire collection fun and full of energy.
It’s official. I absolutely love the new fragrance “Diane” from Diane Von Furstenberg. I received my bottle last week and immediately went spray crazy (I am French, after all) and I’ve been wearing it everyday since.
I think a scent is an intimate relationship and as much as I’d like to say I’m committed to just one, I’m not. I really enjoy wearing different scents depending on my outfit and my attitude of the day. So, this fragrance and my continued interest in wearing it day after day, is quite surprising. I think we’ve gone beyond a crush to full blown love. Yes, it happens that fast sometimes. This fragrance is exactly what it says it is: Feminine, powerful and seductive.
I think this is an amazing gift for any woman in your life and feel free to pass along this blog post to those wishing to receive vs. give.
This eau de toilette is an elegant fragrance that contrasts the blossoms of frangipani and violet against the sensuality of patchouli, myrrh, and musk.
The eau de parfum elevates this fragrance’s concentration, amplifying the uniqueness and the character of the scent while highlighting distinctive ingredients such as patchouli, frangipani flower, and violet.
P.S. Just in case you ever wondered. . . The difference between parfum, eau de parfum and eau de toilette/cologne is simply the amount or concentration of oils in the fragrance. These oils are called “juice.” The highest concentration of “juice” is in parfum, followed by Eau de Parfum, then Eau de Toilette, and lastly Eau de Cologne.
Outfit: Striped Stylemint Broadway in Hibiscus long sleeve tee is layered under an H&M Turtleneck Sweater, Gap Trouser Shorts similar here, and Joie Coachella boots similar here, Driving gloves by Carolina Amato similar here, Botkier Handbag similar here, Large Green Midnight Soiree Ring from JewelMint
The anticipation for the ShoeMint.com launch this Friday is only enhanced by the recent orders I received from sister sites: JewelMint and Stylemint.
My JewelMint ring is the Midnight Soiree Cocktail ring and is a dark green stone in a textured band. I love how big it is and that I can wear it dressy or casual. The StyleMint tee is my first order and I’m amazed at the quality and how great it fits. I love a pop of color and definitely love the stripes and boatneck. I can’t wait to get more. Nothing is better than a great fitting tee.
ShoeMint, which is curated by actress and fashion-girl favorite, Rachel Bilson and Stylist Nicole Chavez. launches November 25, but if you sign up now you can earn rewards towards your first purchase. I can’t wait to see the styles. I’m a girl who loves her shoes!
Happy Shopping.
xo
c.
You can get my ring at JewelMint.com and click here to get 50% off your first order.
My Brooklyn tee is part of the November collection. Click here to check it out and for a personal invite to StyleMint.
And here is an invite for ShoeMint. I can’t wait to see the entire selection.
1.Black /White works in the Totes Ella Boot. A white boot in Winter? Why not, after all snow is white (for part of the season) and the black rubber sole and faux fur lining make these ideal for walks around town. And I love the quilted detail paired with a clean, dark skinny jean or opaque black tights. Available at Kohls.com (Also available in Black).
2. Fashion Girl Favorite. Yves Saint Laurent Shearling-lined suede ankle boots. I know, I know. These may not seem like the ideal winter boot, but we can’t trudge around in traditional boots all the time. These are a great boot for the cold days when the snow is piled high all around us, yet the sidewalks are clean and clear. Plus they are shearling lined. Wear with a gorgeous dress and long, chunky cardigan. Available here.
3. Utilitarian Luxe. Nothing says East Coast like the Duck Boot. And this season, Tory Burch takes this classic version to another level by designing it in Leather and Shearling, not the traditional rubber. This utilitarian style does have a gripped rubber sole making them perfect in snow and rain. I think the key to wearing the Duck boot is staying away from anything flannel and fleece and opting form more lux fabrics like cashmere, leather and faux fur. Available at Net-a-Porter.
4. Cozy at a Great Price. The Old Navy Faux-Fur Trim Winter Boot is an affordable way to wear the traditional Duck Boot with a little fashion thrown in for good measure and warmth. This lace-up version is a rubber and faux suede boot, lined in sueded fleece with a textured sole. Certainly puddle- jumping is not needed with these. Pair with a long, chunky knit sweater, sweater tights and a classic Old Navy vest.
5. Arctic Sophistication is the Sorel Cate the Great boot. With all it’s features and the look of a true cold-weather boot, this one is sure to please for seasons to come. A lace-up boot with waterproof full grain and suede upper, handcrafterd vulcanized rubber shell; all seams sealed. A removeable, recylced felt innerboot is great for warmth all the way to your toes. Wear this boot with skinnies and a hooded parka,faux fur hat and some serious mittens. Available at Piperlime.com.
6. Patent Wedge Love. It may not seem practical, but these Marc Jacobs Patent Wedge Boots are surprisingly perfect for those Fashion must meet Function days: with its black-patent leather and cream rubber sole and shearling lining. Pair with patterned tights . Available at Net-a-Porter.
7. A Pop of Color is one more reason to love these Columbia Heather Canyon Boots. As if you need one more reason – the fabulous features are already a mile long including my favorite; the Faux fur lining. Plus, it features a shield advanced barrier that repels water and stains, a removeable footbed, lightweight and flexible shell and a non-marking rubber compound lug tread for maximum traction in the snow. This is definitely a boot made for serious winters, but also for a serious fashion girl – did you notice the orange sole! The price is also very budget-friendly. Available at Zappos.com.
I hope you found a style you like at a price you like. I have a couple of styles in my carts already. What about you, which boot is your must have?
I wanted to show both shoes in suede so. I picked the Theyskens’ Theory suede ombre version vs. the black suede from Bebe.
Which designer style is your must have Platform Wedge this season? Do you spluge on the Theyskens’ Theory because you know you will wear them all the time and so they will practically pay for themselves (a personal dream of mine: shoes that pay for themselves)? Or do you buy the more affordable Bebe thinking they are a great option for this look?
Let me know which Designer Platform Wedge is more your style.
And, is it more your style because of the look, designer or the price?
Feel free to email me to let me know what you think of this latest feature and if there is an item/trend you would like me to find for you that meets your budget.
Nothing makes the transition into Fall more of a reality than the need for tights. Whether you like the traditional black opaque or the new trend of sheer nude, tights are a must for living in the Northeast. No one want to wear pants everyday for an entire winter, am I right? I think it is absolutely necessary to wear shorts, skirts and dresses as much as possible, anytime of year. My secret for tights in frigid temps is Fleece Lined Tights from Plush - they are a must for anyone who deals with winter temps that dip below 40 degrees.
One of the most fashionable ways to update a look is with pattern tights. I am wearing my DKNY baroque tights above and have shared the look of my leopard tights here. Recently I added Polka Dots, striped and more floral patterns to my tights collection. DKNY even did a collaboration with GossipGirl wardrobe stylist, Eric Daman, to introduce more beautiful patterns this season.
I encourage you to give this look a try and if you are already a believer, add a few new styles into the mix. Nothing makes a beautiful holiday dress stand out more than the surprise twist of a patterned tight. And, I love the everyday casual look of a skirt and sweater combo paired with patterned tights and flat boots. Throw on a parka and a crossbody bag and you are ready for a day of walking the city.
Here are a few patterned tight styles you just have to buy: Striped, Polka Dots, Leopard, Lace, Baroque, Floral, Ribbed.
I just joined IFB (Independent Fashion Bloggers) and found so many great communities already.
One particular IFB Project they have going on and encourage members to participate in is ”What is your favorite style decade”. Well, I can’t say the 80′s is my favorite, but since I love so many things about the 80′s, it must certainly be my most inspiring decade.
I love “mash ups” in music so, it’s no wonder I like the same in fashion. I did a little mashup of decades below.
It includes some 80′s neon and gilt, ladylike elements from the 40′s and some graffiti from the 90′s. Of course the Faux Fur is more present day. What can I say…. I like so many era’s, I just couldn’t decide.
Jason Wu Lace-trim Sweater available at Net-a-Porter.com
I tend to label myself as a bit of a contradiction when it comes to fashion. I love the edgy looks, but give me a little feminine lace and my knees will buckle with adoration. Wearing lace with an edge can certainly take a questionable turn when done incorrectly. So, when I saw the looks from the Jason Wu collection that included a sweatshirt style sweater with lace trimmed sleeves, I thought it was the perfect balance of casual and dramatic and I knew it was the perfect opportunity to test my DIY skills.
So here are a few steps to make your make your own Jason Wu inspired lace trimmed sweater
Here is a list of what you will need:
- a Raglan Sleeve Sweatshirt, Sweater or Tee. I chose a raglan sleeve so there would be less issues with the shoulder seam.I just purchased mine at Loft today so it is very new. It was availabe in 2 colors.
- Roughly 1 2/3 yards of lace trim (depending on the length of the sleeve of your garment). I used a 4″ wide double scalloped edge trim.
- Spray adhesive for Fabric.
- A scissors, a tape measure and straight pins and fabric marking chalk (if preferred).
Step 1:
Cut the lace trim 1″ longer than the full sleeve length for each sleeve. Wearing my sweatshirt, I held the sleeve-length piece of trim at the top of the neckline, letting the trim fall straight down my left arm. Facing a mirror, I moved the lace into place so that it was in the area on the sleeve that would show the lace trim equally in front and back. I pinned the lace in place at top and at the bottom.
- Do this for the right sleeve as well, keeping in mind to line up the scalloped edges so they “mirror” one another.
Step 2:
Measure the distance from the raglan seam at the collar to the lace trim edge. Make this measurement equal on both sleeves. Crisscross pins to keep lace in place
Do the same measurement at the cuff. Measure from the sleeve seam to the edge of the lace. Do this to both sleeves. Crisscross pins to keep lace in place.
Make 2-3 more measurements up and down the sleeve so that the lace is in the same position on both sleeves.
Pin as you go along on both sides of the sleeves; keeping the lace as flat and taught as possible. Crisscross pins as needed.
Step 3:
In a well ventilated area (wear gloves and mask if needed), prepare for spray adhesive by choosing 1 sleeve. Cover rest of garment with a towel as needed to protect.
With 1 sleeve laying flat so lace is flat and in full view, unpin the lace trim at the neckline and along the edges, marking the edges of the lace placement with the pins or with fabric chalk. Leave pins at cuff so lace remains attached at one edge. Pull back the lace onto another towel (it will still be attached at the cuff making it easy to lay back into place without having to touch the tacky adhesive.
Spray the lace trim along the entire backside length, leaving about 1/4″ on each end clean and unsprayed (I used a strip of tape along each end to stop the spray from adhering to the lace). Once the entire length of trim is sprayed, carefully press the lace trim onto the flat sleeve, lining up with your pins/chalk mark placement lines. Pat the lace down as you go with your gloved hands or a towel. Pat gently along full length of lace to make sure it is completely adhered to the sleeve, especially at the collar seam and cuff seam edges.
Leave the sleeve flat, checking it to make sure all the lace is adhering to the sleeve. Leave to dry.
Do the same thing on the opposite sleeve.
Step 4:
Remove all pins, trim the collar edge and cuff edges of the lace trim; leaving a bit for a raw edge look. Or trim close to the seam edge as possible for a cleaner edge.
Let the entire garment dry in a ventilated area until all tackiness is gone and the adhesive is completely dry.
My finished Loft Sweatshirt with Lace Trim
I promise to show some better outfit pics as soon as my photographer/husband is back from his business trip. In the meantime, here is me wearing my Lace Trim DIY project. I love it! What do you think?
The Cambridge Satchel Company Upwardly Mobile Satchel $134.99.
Today’s Feature is the must have trend: The Bold Colored, Structured bag
My blog is all about showing you the latest clothing, accessories and shoes and how you can wear them. The goal is always to give you ideas and let you style them in your own, personal way.
At your requests, I will be adding more affordable options to my featured items. They will be similar in style, but at a a lower price point. It is up to you which one to choose.
Also, feel free to email me to let me know what you think of this latest feature and if there is an item/trend you would like me to find for you that meets your budget.
After a long search, I was pleasantly surprised when my November Shoe Closet email arrived from Sole Society and a gorgeous pair of snake loafers was waiting for me in my personal selection.
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts here, I am not a ballet flats kind girl so, this new loafer style is the answer to my dreams.
I’m loving the grey (faux) snakeskin with the caramel piping: a great color combo to wear with just about everything. Be on the lookout, I think I’ll be wearing these a lot. As a matter of fact, I wore them this weekend with some Current/Elliott boyfriends, a striped sweater, my DIY neon necklace (post to come) and a handmade, slouchy hat made by a very talented friend. The shoes were super comfy and made the outfit perfect for a day of walking.
Want a personal invite to Sole Society. Click here and start getting your personal closet delivered every month too.
xo
c.
P.S. I got so many compliments on my DIY Neon Necklace that I’m thinking of doing a contest giveaway on Facebook for 1 of the necklaces. Anyone interested? Comment and let me know.
I’m certain my love for breakfast comes from my Dad. He not only likes to eat breakfast, anytime of the day, but he likes to make breakfast too. Growing up with breakfast for dinner was always a treat and I’ve made a point to make sure my children feel the same way as I did about it.
The love for presentation comes from my Mom. She always served our meals on real plates, no paper plates that I can recall, and always infused some sort of French tradition into our meals.
Breakfast of Dippy Eggs, Toast and Fruit was a favorite of mine and when I found this set of Dippy Egg holders at HomeGoods last year, my heart and my mind traveled instantaneously back to my childhood.
Do you have a family tradition or food that inspires you or takes you back?
Add some jewel tones to your holiday looks this season with the simple addition of a colored, faux fur stole. Inspired by the Fall 2011 Runway looks of the most amazing designers, the look is certainly swoonworthy. I’m loving this colored faux fur style from Topshop: wear it with a dress, a sweater or a collarless coat. The jewel tones and lux look take everything to the next level, don’t you think?
Outfit Dress: Tucker (from this summer) Similar here, Bag & Sweater: H&M, Necklace: Calypso St Barth x Target, Belt: Streets Ahead, Boots: Joie Similar here.
I have a hard time changing my closet from Summer to Winter and this year has been particularily difficult because the weather has been so sunny and warm well into November. I also think living in the Northeast we tend to want to extend our summer wardrobes as long as we can.
I think we may have seen the last of our bare leg days, but I’m hoping to wear some of my summer dresses a bit longer. One way to do this is the obvious choice of layering. I love cotton sweaters and so when I saw this camel/blush tone v-neck, I knew it would be perfect for layering over my silk summer dresses and under my short sleeve blazers. I paired it with my summer baubles, a mustard colored bag purchased this fall and some suede boots-it is November, after all.
Here are a few more ideas to take your favorite summer pieces into the Winter and some links to some winter pieces you can add to your closet now:
With a following that includes celebrities, bloggers and editors, Shana Aldrich has managed to produce long-standing designs that meet the trends of today’s jewelry lovers and has captured my neon loving heart with her company The Ropes, available at local boutique Ann Veronica.
As a fan of both local shops and accessories, I have quickly developed a real admiration for both the local designer and the shop that carries her designs and many more.
I purchased this Aldrich bracelet and ordered a custom necklace through Ann Veronica, a locally owned, Cape Elizabeth, Maine merchant located just blocks from my home. Ann Veronica is known for her support of local artisans ranging from leather goods to handwoven, wool sweaters and scarves to jewelry from Aldrich and many others. She currently carries upwards of 30 local Maine designers. Who knew we had so many local designers? Ann Veronica, that’s who. She has been stocking her Cape Elizabeth and York stores for over 6 years with her own bag and tote designs and continues to find more and more local talented designers than anyone else around.
I’ll be sharing more local love about The Ropes, but in meantime, go and see her and more amazing pieces from other Maine designers at Ann Veronica in Cape Elizabeth (207.767.8181). Ann Veronica sells her own bags and totes on here website (great holiday gift ideas!), but you can call and order other pieces including The Ropes by Shana Aldrich, Trollbeads and many others by phone. Ann Veronica also offers Free Shipping all orders. If you are local, stop by and see the full selection of Maine artists at her boutique in Cape Elizabeth at 546 Shore Road.
Outfit Faux Fur headband: Target Similar here, Necklace: H&M Similar here, Wool Swing Coat: Rebecca Taylor Similar here, Aviators: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Grey Denim Skinnies Similar here, Cat by Wolverine Boots Similar here, Lipstick: Revlon Wine with Everything
There is a clear difference between being someone who loves being outdoors and someone who loves the outdoors. I am clearing the former. I am not an outdoorsy kinda girl so, when my family said they wanted to go for a “hike”, I saw it more as an opportunity to wear my new faux fur headband, rugged boots, favorite wool coat, leather & feather necklace and grey skinnies. Needless to say, the day was gorgeous, my family had a great time and I cold-weather tested my faux fur headband.
The result: you need one of these! It was warm and cozy and I actually wore after the hike when I went shopping. I like a piece with a dual personality- don’t you?
I was thrilled when JewelMint asked me to join them in promoting the newest jewelry collection from co-designers Kate Bosworth and Cher Coulter. If you know me or read my blog, you know how absolutely obsessed I am with jewelry so. this is extremely fun for me. And, the fact that I get to offer my fans and readers 50% off their first order is amazing! I love a good discount just like every other fashion girl.
If you are not familiar with JewelMint, here is a little background for you. You can also read the JewelMint Blog – which I love and read religiously.
To get started all you do is click here to join and then complete a brief personal style survey. The survery is the key to JewelMint. Every month they will create a personalized selection of jewelry chosen just for you based on your style survery choices. It’s genius. I’m always amazed how spot on they are with my jewelry selection each month.
Once you sign up, each month you will receive a link to your personal showroom jewelry selection. Each jewelry piece is $29.99, but with the exclusive ShopChantal StyleFile Code, you will get 50% off your first order plus you get FREE SHIPPING.
Use code Fall105 at checkout, courtesy of ShopChantal StyleFile and the Mint Brand Ambassador Team and start adding amazing jewelery pieces to your closet. Below are a few of my favorites from the JewelMint Collection. Kate is wearing the Bullet Necklace in the photo above.
Outfit Star Print Bow Blouse: H&M, Pleated Mini Similar here, Turband: Gold Saturn, Necklace: Gemma Redux Beth, Pearls: Vintage, Bracelets, Botkier, Streets Ahead, Watch: Freelook, Sunglasses Georgio Armani Similar here, Faux Fur Vest: Rebecca Taylor: Similar here, Leopard Tights: Commando Similar here, Boots: Pour La Victoire, Clutch: Laura Merkin Similar here.
I’m still having lots of fun with wearing prints. I know this star print is pretty subtle, but the bow got me and I had to have it. Paired with a full, pleated mini skirt made it the perfect afternoon lunch outfit. I think once the real cold weather hits, I’ll pair this with a fitted blazer and add some polka dot tights. I’m loving this blush polka dot pair.
There are lots of ways to wear the star print. I found a dress version, a jacket and even tights in the fun, new updated take on a classic, all american print.
Hope you give this print a try. Let me know how you wear your stars!
The weather today was perfect for a blazer and chiffon cardi layer over a simple tank, but I just had to add my new H&M Faux Fur Collar to the mix. After all, it is Fall and I’ll use any excuse to wear faux fur.
Here are some similar options to my H&M Faux Fur Scarf/Collar
We all have closets and closets of denim, but the new look of printed denim is a must -try new trend. Not only is the look fun and fresh, but it is a great way to wear the season’s best prints. From leopard prints to Snake Prints on Paprika colored denim to my favorite, a red printed plaid. The variety of prints give you the option of going bold to wearing a subtle look.
Below are some additional printed denim styles that I love. Would you choose the the bold, traditional leopard prints or the tonal, more subtle prints?
BOLD STYLES: Joe’s Jeans Chelsea Leopard print is a traditional take on the print. I’d love these with a chunky fisherman’s knit sweater and boots. Another style is the J Brand Snow Leopard Super Skinny Jean. Both are bold and an exciting way to wear this favorite animal print. Tone it down with a solid sweater and boots for a great day look.
I can’t wait to hear how you are wearing the printed denim look! I’m looking forward to Spring so I can add a bright pop of color to these Current/Elliott Leopard prints!
Step 1:
