Fête Set

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

Lately, I've been acting a lot more mature, and I don't mean this in a good coming-of-age way.  I'm talking terrifyingly predictable - ie. work all day, make dinner, eat dinner, give kids a bath, stories, bedtime, then we put on a pot of water for tea (Twinings which, for the record, we did way before Fifty Shades of Grey), then work some more, then crash. Zzzzz.  It's not that I don't like being a mom, because I love it.  And I'm not saying I don't like to work, because I really do.  It's just that nothing good can possibly come of the constant routininess of it all, especially when endless piles of laundry are involved. 

What I mean, is that I'm beyond ready to bust it. I'm ready to eat, drink and be embarassingly merry.  I'm ready to sparkle my way into a snowbank somewhere and just chill out there for a minute, then get back up and shuffle my way to the next party. I'm actually even ready to feel tired the next day - in a good way. 

I've got a rocking holiday wardrobe all planned out (which I wholeheartedly encourage you to try on for size btw) should any tempting invites come my way. You hosting?

x

Michael Kors Fall 2012 - photo: style.com

1. Open Blazer, $30, Dynamite; 2. Draped Gown, $129.99, Laura; 3. Studded Loafer, $50, ALDO; 4. Faux-Fur Scarf, $70, Le Château; 5. Gemstone Clutch, $40, Le Château 

Photo: WhoWhatWear.com

1. Necklace, $18, American Eagle; 2. Leopard Bag, $25, American Eagle; 3. Flared Skirt, $40, American Eagle; 5. Patent-Toe Pumps, $42, ALDO; 6. Denim Shirt, $45, American Eagle

Emilio Pucci Fall 2012 - photo: style.com

1. Chiffon Blouse, $35, Smart Set; 2. Tuxedo Pant, $39.90, Dynamite; 3. Studded Clutch, $40, ALDO; 4. Pointy-Toed Pump, $90, ALDO; 5. Snake Bracelet, $12, ALDO

Derek Lam Fall 2012 - photo: style.com

1. Skull Necklace, $12, ALDO; 2. Bouclé Blazer, $120, Laura; 3. Lurex Scarf, $28, Laura; 4. Studded Hi-Top, $120, Le Château; 5. Wide Leg Pant, $60, Laura 

Fête Accomplie: Part 2

Photo courtesy H&M

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Now that November's arrived (along with a little bit of snow and Starbucks' red cups), it's all about the holidays. Before you know it, you'll be getting invites - whether it's to your office mixer, a New Year's party, or a fun little gift exchange with your besties. There are so many reasons to celebrate in the coming months and since parties generally mean dressing up (yay!), we thought you might need a little inspiration. Here are 3 pretty looks to help get you prepped for the madness. Though dresses are always a safe bet, I love the idea of trying something new and fun, especially around the holidays, whether it's a sweater and skirt combo in chic winter white, an edgy lace blouse with rockstar accessories, or an eclectic mix of printed pants with an easy chambray shirt. The best part? You'll be able to add these pieces into your wardrobe all year 'round. Then, all you have to do is brush up on your Gangnam Style moves so you can properly hit the dance floor. Seriously.

For more pretty party looks, check out Fête Accomplie: Part 1

1. Pattern-Knit Jumper, $39.95, H&M; 2. Studded Collar Blouse, $34.95, H&M; 3. Fuzzy Mini Skirt, $39.95, H&M; 4. ALDO RISE Floral Lace-Up Platform Booties, $195, ALDO; 5. Pastel Friendship Bracelets, $12, ALDO Accessories; 6. Snow Angel Color Palette & Stay All Day Waterproof Volumizing Mascara, $51, Sephora

 

Dolce & Gabbana Fall '12 - photo style.com

1. Satin Pleated Clutch, $39.95, Le Château; 2. Ultimate Miracle Skirt, $35.50, Ricki's; 3. Skull Motif Ring, $9.95, H&M; 4. Mesh Boots, $59.95, H&M; 5. Mirror Lace Print Blouse, $32.90, Dynamite

A Holiday '12 look from 3.1 Phillip Lim 

1. Floral Slim-Fit Trousers, $39.95, H&M; 2. David Dixon for Town Shoes Clutch, $69.95, Town Shoes; 3. Jersey Jacket, $59.95, H&M; 4. Denim Shirt, $29.95, H&M; 5. Glitter Nail Polish (set of 3), $10, Call It Spring; 6. Patent-Toe Pump, $67.49, ALDO

Fête Accomplie: Part 1

Beyonce in the November 2011 issue of Harper's Bazaar

Originally posted in The CLOSET

So, I realize that you probably haven't even bought your Hallowe'en candy yet. And I know that the holiday season is probably not the first thing on your mind.  But, you have to admit, the scattered mentions of parties, presents and the chubby guy in red mean that Christmas, Kwanzaa and other merry festivities are really not that far away.  And since several friends have mentioned that their offices have already booked their holiday fêtes (crazy, I know), it means that now is a fabulous time to start pre-planning your party wardrobe.  

This season, step away from your basic little black dress and instead, think outside of the perfectly wrapped box.  White Oaks Mall is full of pretty finds sure to set you apart from the crowd at your next office party, cocktail toast, or full-out holiday bender.   Here, we share 3 chic, party-ready looks (PS - Be sure to check back next week for 3 more)

I know it's early but I'm already excited.  You? xo

Photos courtesy 3.1 Phillip Lim

1. Short-Sleeved Dress, $39.95, H&M; 2. Statement Necklace, $17.95, H&M; 3. Icon Sunglasses, $16,American Eagle Outfitters; 4. Striped Top, $19.95, H&M; 5. Laser-Cut Clutch, $40, ALDO Accessories; 6. Red Suede Pump, $69.98, ALDO

1. Pinstripe Trousers, $69.50, Gap; 2. Statement Choker, $24.95, H&M; 3. Leather Bomber, $349, Danier; 4. Stretch Cami, 2 for $26, Smart Set; 5. Mimi Bow Belt, $59.50, Club Monaco; 6. Schutz Eunice T-Straps, Club Monaco; 7. Gemstone Flapover Clutch, $69.95, Le Château

1. Red Carpet Collection Clutch, $89.95, Town Shoes; 2. Red Peplum Dress, $39.90, Dynamite; 3. Erickson Beamon Earrings, $149.50, Club Monaco; 4. Calvin Klein for Town Shoes Strappy Heels, $170, Town Shoes; 5. Sephora by O.P.I Trend Tips Real Lacquer Strips, $14, Sephora

Spring's Best Guilt-Free Accessories

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Call them the 'icing on the cake' or the 'cherry on top' or the 'Justin Bieber to your Selena' but you have to admit, no outfit is ever as good without amazing accessories.  Take your typical jeans and a tee:  on their own - total Dullsville. But add a great pair of wedges, some aviator shades and a beautiful bag and you're suddenly Jennifer Aniston (without the private cars and Hollywood mansions, mind you). 

Every season, designers send certain extras down the runway that resonate with the fashionable set, making lobes, wrists and necks feel suddenly empty without them.  This spring, the new It zone is the ear.  Yes, that's right, the oversized earring is back, bringing to mind ancient Egyptian goddesses with their lobe-defying  danglers.  The new earrings highlight the face and are a huge departure from the minimalist earrings we've seen for so many seasons.  If you're not the big earring type, go for statement necklaces and stacked bangles to colour your world.  Speaking of colour, accessories followed clothing trends with pretty pastel pumps and sweet minaudieres looking positively ladylike.  For the more daring among you, go for bold, bright neons to add a little party rock to your look.  For metallics, both silver and gold are totally on-trend.  Keep your silver accents sleek with clean lines and simple silhouettes, or go for the gold with 1920's-inspired deco gold and black extras. As for print, earthy tribal extras, kitschy Hawaiian prints and fun florals will be your new spring go-to's. 

I love the power of killer accessories but want to know the part I like best of all?  They always fit.  Yay!