Tote-ally Fall Bags

Let's talk fall bags. There are a ton of options out there but I thought we would start with the practical yet perfect. The structured tote bag is classic but edgy when you play with deep hues and soft suedes.

Zara, City Bag with Metallic Details, $69

What did I tell you? Perfect. Check out the handle detail, those are gold wolves. 

H&M, Handbag, $34

Oh hi playful one! A glass of burgundy red.

Nordstrom, Sole Society Bridgette, $79

Winged wonder, anyone?

Target, Faux Leather Dome Handbag, $39

I love this off-white for fall. It's sleek and the simple hardware is very professional.

There will be tons of fall trends for bags, but for me, I always start with the most utility one. A structured shoulder bag is going to work for my everyday and it's stylish too.

Be fabulous today!

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Vivacious in Velvet

It's holiday time. Don't try to hide from it. It's here. And while most Friday and Saturday nights will require a sassy cocktail dress and tights, what about the work week soirees and happy hours? I give you the velvet pant. It's looks luxe and festive but it doesn't break the bank.

Gap, Side Zip Pull on Legging, $59

So gorgeous. So expensive looking. Gap, you win.

Ann Taylor, Kate Velvet Skinny Legging, $89

A beautiful slate gray means these pants are going to work with everything in your closet.

Kohl's, LC Lauren Conrad Velvet Cigarette Pants, $36

I love this tiny zipper hem detail on these crimson pants.

Zara, Velvet Trousers, $69

I had to throw in a bootcut version. Love these pants for the look of extra long legs.

Velvet is perfect for the holiday season and why not try a pair of pants that you can mix with a silk blouse, cashmere card, anything else in your closet. 

Be fabulous today!

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Hard Stacked Metal

A beautiful stacked heel is perfect for a playful summer shoe. It's less dramatic than your standard stiletto and much easier to walk in. Today we're looking at some stacked heel metallic sandals that will go with anything in your closet.

Coach, Lexey Heel, $99

Yes that Coach. Run, don't walk. Go get these designer sandals.

Zara, Block Heel Sandal, $39

A sassy and short gold option with a nice ankle strap.

Asos, Hamilton Heeled Sandals, $76

These are my favorite of the bunch. Oh this heel is perfect. And the slope of that sandal. Yes. Just yes. It's part designer, part Studio 54, all fabulous.

Piperlime, Report Adelina, $99

These have a gladiator look to them that I love. You can pair these with a sundress of cut off denim shorts.

A great stacked heel sandal is perfect for summer and there are so many styles to choose from. I love the metallic options because they go with everything.

Be fabulous today!

Rub You the Wrong Way

It's Monday, which is a huge bummer but it also ankle strap sandal day here on the blog, and if that doesn't blow your dress up, I don't know what to tell you.

The ankle strap style is a classic and one that you will see year round on a stiletto, a flat, or even a flatform. The key to a comfortable ankle strap is the width. You don't want it cutting off your circulation, but you also don't want it to rub. Look for a strap with a substantial width. This will give you a nice balance of style and comfort.

Victoria's Secret, Ankle Strap Mid Heel Sandal, $78

Let's talk about this sandal for a moment. The color is one that can be paired with everything from white to cobalt (yes, cobalt), the mid heel height means its the perfect shoe for a wedding where you know you'll be dancing a lot. The kicker? Where these with a relaxed bf jean and a roomy top on Friday night. 

Zara, High Heeled Sandal with Ankle Strap, $59

Hello. I mean. Wow. Nice wide lines on this shoe. And the color really does the talking.

Macy's, Tommy Hilfiger Olena, $79

Check out the quilted pattern on that wedge. Don't see that everyday. The two tone gold and camel are perfect for spring. with a flowy maxi dress.

Loft, Alissa Colorblocked Heel, $89

This reminds me of a great piece of modern art. Sleek and sexy.

The ankle strap sandal is a great choice to add to your closet this season. You can wear them to work or to the 783 weddings you have to attend this year.

Be fabulous today!

The December Print

You now what goes hand and hand with December? Tartan. One look at the pattern, the colors, the texture, and you are reminded of fireplaces, snowmen, and hot cocoa. You can style it preppy, classic, or rocker. It's the do it all for December.

Topshop, White Tartan Asymmetrical Skort, $68

Not your standard mini skirt. Check out how the pattern falls with the asymmetrical lines.

Anthropologie, Tartan Tights, $24

This is a perfect holiday tight with a red mini dress and heels.

Zara, Combination Checkered Biker Jacket, $59

Not all tartan is sweet, try this relaxed moto jacket.

Modcloth, Footwork and Play Flat, $98

Safe to say these are my new favorite holiday shoes.

Tartan is surprisingly versatile as one of the bolder prints out there. Pair it with black, but think outside of the box this time of year and maybe pair it with black sequins!

Be fabulous today!

Guess What Day It Is?

My good friend and loyal reader is looking for a great cold weather staple. The camel v neck sweater. Something you'll use for years to come. Right now I'm loving it layered over this shirt. Here are some great camel options. Also btw, camel...hump day....see what I did there?

Nordstrom, Halogen V Neck Cashmere Sweater, $79

This is my gold standard. Cashmere, Nordstrom, timeless.

Ann Taylor, V Neck Sweater, $69

This blend is a bit slimmer that I wouldn't layer too much because it's great on its own.

Mango, Sequined Wool cotton blend sweater, $59

Come on, I had to throw in a fun option!

Zara, V Neck Sweater, $10

Why yes, you did read that correctly. This lovely cotton sweater is ten bucks.

A camel sweater is a classic staple for cooler weather. You can put it under a blazer, add it to a pencil skirt, or pile on the accessories.

Be fabulous today!

Saddle Up

Happy humpday! Hey, speaking of camels (stay with me) how about we talk saddle bags (segue of the season there guys).

Zara, Messenger bag with metal corners, $79

The structure of this crossbody is very unique. I love the hardware and the understated stitching.

Forever 21, Classic Saddle Crossbody, $18

A quiet bag that works with blazers or leggings.

Asos, Saddle Bag Crossbody, $44

Had to throw in a gold metallic option.

Levi's, Leather Saddle Bag, $68

A simple lipstick red bag is perfect for weekends.

Saddle bags are a great smaller option for fall and winter. You can find them in textures, colors, and shapes to fit your style.

Be fabulous today!

See Right Through You

Alright let's get a little sassy on this hump day. I'm thinking sheer. I love a beautiful sheer blouse for the end of summer/early fall because it's professional but also weather appropriate.

Zara, Long Sleeve Blouse, $59

Simple navy and red is a great combination for this pin point dot print. 

Modcloth, Love Ballad Tunic, $37

This sweet blouse is easily dressed up or down. I love the tunic button style and the tab sleeves.

Nordstrom, Lush Chiffon Baseball Tee, $34

I kind of love this shirt. It's a great laid back top for Saturdays or watching the game at a friend's place.

H&M, Tie Front Chiffon Blouse, $29

And then there is the simple solid sheer. I'm a sucker for a tie front so this one is a clear winner for me.

Sheer blouses are a great option for September. Pair them with skinny jeans or tuck it into a pencil skirt.

Be fabulous today!

Ode to Mimi

Happy humpday lovebugs,
Today I'm channeling some Mariah. The queen that is Ms. Carey. Now you may be thinking, but how? I don't need to wear a glitter arm sling, candy jewelry, or a Santa outfit. I'm taking one of Mariah's favorite things, butterflies, and I think I've found some great pieces that would make Mimi proud.

Dorothy Perkins, Billie and Blossom Cream Butterfly Dress, $35

Look at this absolutely beautiful print. You can add a black blazer and wear this to work or pretty it up with a glitter belt and wear it to a wedding.

Asos, Beta Butterfly Wings Box Clutch, $61
A simply lovely clutch for jeans or an LBD. You can also wear it as a shoulder bag with the chain.

Zara, Two Tone Butterfly Print Scarf, $29
A beautiful, go with anything scarf. I love the large scale print.

Bloomingdale's, Alex and Ani Butterfly Bangle, $28
And the always popular, Alex and Ani bangle. You just can't go wrong.

Do you think I made Mariah proud? I sure hope so. The butterfly print/motif/graphic/charm or however you want to wear it, is perfect for these hot days of summer.

Be fabulous today!

Dresses for Dad

As the holiday dinners are approaching, I don't know about you, but I spend a long time staring into my closet trying to find the perfect dress for dinner with the family. In my family this doesn't mean sequins and sparkles but it also doesn't mean jeans. What's the happy medium?

Anthropologie, Eton Marble Dress, $69

This dress also comes in a beige pattern. I really like the artistic element of the piece.

Ann Taylor, Cowl Neck Sweater Dress, $74

You really can't go wrong with this simple and dependable sweater dress. Add a belt and some drop earrings.

Old Navy, Polka dot shiftdress, $34

More casual dinner? Try this simple but sweet shirtdress with a metallic flat.

Zara, Printed Dress, $59

I think this is a great dress for dinner or work. The pattern is very interesting but busy enough you can add some baubles.

What do you wear for holiday dinners with family? I find packing one easy dress vs four layering pieces is so much easier for traveling.

Be fabulous today!

Airport Chic

Tomorrow or Thursday, a lot of us will be lugging a suitcase, bundling up and hurrying up just to wait at an airport. Why not put the yoga pants away this season and dress smart yet comfy for your travels. Here's my go to travel outfit.

Lands End, Long Sleeve Flannel Tunic, $54

This popover flannel is perfect because it has a relaxed but cool look that you can layer under or over.

Old Navy, Rockstar Cords in basil pesto, $35

This is a great neutral color that allows you to wear just about any color with it.

Zara, Studded Slipper, $49

Easy slip on and off for TSA. A little bling and very versatile.

Express, Zip Top Hobo with Tassel Pull, $41

I love a cross body option bag when traveling just in case I need to use both hands.

That's how I dress for travel, what about you?

Be fabulous today!

Power Flats

You all know I love a great flat. And there are so many types of flats, ballet flats, mary jane flats, dainty flats, but today we're looking at what I'm calling power flats. The 'I mean business flat'.

DSW, C Label Hudson, $34

A slight metallic hue to the deep red paired with some studs. Heck yes.

Nordstrom, Classiques Entier Elina, $77

A cap toe metal? Don't mind if I do. Why yes, I will be owning this business meeting today.

Zara, Studded Slipper, $49

Sleek, a little masculine, but a lot powerful.

Nordstrom, Ivanka Trump Abello, $80

These are my perfect understated but, holy cow these are perfect, flats. A pointy toe, bow, in a perfect black.

So there you have it. Flats don't always have to be sweet and dainty, and pumps don't always have to be the power shoe. Swap out heels for some strong flats. Your feet will thank you.

Be fabulous today!