THE GOOD-TO-GO FUR VEST!

Let’s face it when it comes to dressing for cold weather the options are slim to none.  Spending my entire life in a cold weather climate this has been quite the dilemma!  As each winter approaches the question becomes how does one stay warm and fashionable at the same time? With so many accessories like earmuffs, scarves, furry boots, gloves, and other items to protect one from the cold the art of choosing which ones to create an instant polished look over looking like your one of the kids again heading to play in the snow can be quite complex! Luckily, I have done my research and a little secret I discovered along the way is that the fur vest is fashion’s best winter accessory. You can literally throw a fur vest with everything from skirts ,pants, dresses, sweaters, blouses, leggings and jeans.  Whether you want to wear with a blouse, sweater, or plain shirt the options are endless. Fur vests come in several colors and styles. In order to get the most bang for your buck go for styles and colors that can fit into your everyday wardrobe.  For a dressy casual version you can wear it with flared jeans, a white blouse, and heels like I did. On the other hand, for a more formal take wear it over a black dress or pants.   Here are some quick tips to make the good-to-go fur vest your best fashion accessory this winter season!

• Go for classic styles and stick to neutral colors like black, brown, beige, or crème to create more versatility

• To create a more formal look stick to monochromatic pieces and opt for a black colored fur vest

• Add leather pants and booties with your fur vest to create a rocker chic look

• Add flared jeans like I did to create a touch of bohemian glamour

• For an office appropriate look wear over a solid knit color dress or try a pencil skirt and turtleneck

• Look for styles that are going to flatter your body type.  If you’re taller go for longer lengths if your more on the petite side like myself go for silhouettes and styles that are not going over power you

• Remember it doesn’t have to be real fur it can be faux fur.  Whether it’s 25 dollars or 70 dollars it’s all about the look and feel principal that I stress which is moving your focus away from brand name items, and focusing on the look versus the cost.  

HERE ARE RECOMMENDED LINKS *= top picks

http://www.rainbowshops.com/Faux-Fur-Vest/1414066459195,default,pd.html?dwvar_1414066459195_color=CREAM

Faux Fur Sweater Vest in mocha at Rainbow $24.99- my vest *

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?br=LOVE21&category=Love21_Outerwear&productid=2000059280

Textured Faux Fur Vest at Forever 21 $44.80 *

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?br=F21&category=outerwear_coats-and-jackets&productid=2000057254

Faux Fur Vest at Forever 21 $34.90 *

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?br=F21&category=outerwear_coats-and-jackets&productid=2000101485

Longline Faux Fur Vest at Forever 21 $42.80

FALL INTO LOVE WITH FLORALS!

As temperature dips, and the holiday season looms, the theme of love permeates all over from couples getting engaged over the holidays to new relationships beginning to the gathering of family and friends, and of course giving to the less fortunate. Although summer is long gone, and the landscape is desolate with Uggs, and parkas everywhere doesn’t mean you can’t find a bit of love for summer’s sweet florals! If you have been following my blog you might notice that I have a little floral obsession to say the least!  The sight of pure flowers gets me super excited so can you imagine when I decided to rack my brain and come up with fresh ways to wear florals all fall and winter long! Read on to find out how to add a bit of love and joy this season long while falling head over heels in love…

TIS THE SEASON OF MOCK NECKS!

Nothing says fall or winter then a mock neck/ turtleneck piece of clothing. This signifies coziness, warmth, and that the cold weather is finally here. Whether you want to wear a floral mock neck sleeveless dress like I did, or go for a richer darker floral long sleeve turtleneck remember to add an extra bit of dimension.  This can be done through the styling of the accessories or an added layer.

CRISP BLACK AND WHITE

Yummy stuffed turkey and rich eggnog are to Thanksgiving and Christmas as monochromatic black and white prints are to fall and winter.  Perhaps one of the easiest ways to wear florals all winter long is black and white. 

PUNK IT UP

The rebel schoolgirl and rocker chic trend isn’t reserved only for Halloween, but celebs to the highstreet are being spotted all over in this. I absolutely love this trend because it adds a bit of edge to a classic print.  The first way you can achieve this is to go for a floral piece that exudes a bit more of the punk inspired motif such as a piece that has studs, or even a funky graphic floral pattern. The second way is to pair classic floral prints with punk inspired pieces like a moto leather jacket, leather pants, leather skirts, black motorcycle boots, or booties.

PAIR WITH GO-TO BOOTS

Like a solid structural foundation is to a building, a snazzy pair of boots are the building blocks to every fall wardrobe.  Pair your designated floral top, skirt, or dress with a pair of classic riding boots or ankle boots to provide a fresh fall twist!

BLOSSOMING SHIFT DRESSES

With the swinging 60’s and groovy 70’s shift dresses are blossoming all over the fashion scene and for good reason!  An absolute favorite of mine to spice up my style. Whether you wear a floral shift dress over your leggings, tights, or skinnies this is the perfect fall staple because it’s extremely versatile and can get you thinking out of box when comes to creating kick ass outfits!

HERE ARE RECOMMENDED LINKS *=top choices

http://www.maykool.com/dresses-light-blue-floral-print-bodycon-party-dress-010972.html?gclid=CjwKEAiAqMajBRCdjejki6yjuDwSJACQeVukPMw_EuO_tv6HBc89TaGoeZXso5z8i2skVeBcjgyNRhoCEjHw_wcB

Light Blue Floral Print Bodycon Dress $22.99 At Maykool *

Similar to my dress- I got my dress at Rainbow stores on Clearance for $7.00

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?br=LOVE21&category=DRESS&productid=2000137668

Pleated Floral Oganza Dress at Forever 21 $27.90

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?br=F21&category=DRESS&productid=2000099983

Floral Print Skater Dress at Forever 21 $22.90

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?br=F21&category=DRESS&productid=2000102940

Rhinestoned Floral Halter Dress at Forever 21 $32.90 *

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?br=F21&category=outerwear_coats-and-jackets&productid=2000102623

Floral Bomber Jacket at Forever 21 $24.80

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?br=LOVE21&category=DRESS&productid=2000085123

Floral Print Mock Neck Dress $19.46

http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/entity/271519.uts

Ikat Floral Cold Shoulder Dress at Charlotte Russe $26.99 

http://www.lulus.com/products/near-and-far-out-black-floral-print-dress/179610.html

Near and Far Out Black Floral Print Dress at LuLus $48.00 *

For more information go to www.frugalfashionite.com

4 FRESH BOHO CHIC TRENDS TO ROCK NOW!

Thanks‬ to the popularity of Coachella , That 70s Show, Dazed and Confused, style icons Sienna Miller and Nicole Ritchie along with a slew of others ,the boho chic style is still going strong this fall even with summer long gone. Until up to the past year, I used to wince and turn my head away from any bohemian inspired style you name it -bell bottoms, hippie tunics, Coachella-esque flower crowns, crochet, festival jewelry, and the list goes on.   Although a free spirit in my views, my personal style is the complete opposite gravitating towards a combination of contemporary and edgy. However, I have learned that life really begins at the end of one’s comfort zone, so what better way to embrace this concept then push myself to the edge of boho chic! Even if you consider yourself a "boho-lite" like myself or slightly a whimsical dresser there are few essential trends to look for when adding the boho craze in a fresh way !

 BE BOLD IN BELL BOTTOMS

Peace, Love, and bell bottoms!  Sorry Skinnies, Bell Bottoms have made a groovy comeback this fall!  Whether you wear a trouser bell paired with a blouse to the office or a high-waisted denim bell with a crop top this piece will add a bit of Zen to your everyday style!

EMBRACE THE EMBROIDERY

To embody the free spirit style of the new boho embrace the embroidery. Not only is this the easiest way to add authenticity to any ordinary look, you can find it on just about any piece. Embroidery is a great way to add authenticity to your own style. In the picture above I found an embroidered flowy dress with bell sleeves.  To play up the boho style even more stick to earthy colors like I did which was turquoise and brown

FRINGE FIERCELY

Are you looking to be playful and fierce at the same time?  Rocking the 2014 Fringe is the best way to capture this and provide an instant refresher to your everyday wardrobe!  For modern day boho inspired pieces that have fringe look for handbags, kimonos, shoes, skirts, or tops.

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AWE INSPIRING ANKLE BOOTS

Slouchy ankle boots seem to be the awe-inspiring fashion staple of  famous boho girls like Mary-Kate Olsen and Vanessa Hudgens. This is the perfect go-to shoe for your everyday looks, and can be paired with just about anything. If you want to add a fresh boho-chic twist go for designs that look distressed, faded, contain studs, or have other modern day embellishments

 HERE ARE RECOMMENDED LINKS *=top links

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?br=F21&category=sweater&productid=2000126466

Boho Darling Fringed Cardigan at Forever 21 $24.80 *

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?br=F21&category=top&productid=2000055693

Fringed Bell Sleeve Top $27.90 At Forever 21

http://www.mystiqueboutiquenyc.com/shop/boho-romper/

Boho Romper at Mystique Boutique at $29.99 *

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?br=F21&category=top&productid=2000067440

Embroidered Crochet Top at Forever 21 $27.80

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?br=F21&category=ACC&productid=1055878584

Faux Suede Fringed Crossbody at Forever 21 $19.90

http://www.lulus.com/products/festival-nights-forest-green-fringed-infinity-scarf/182058.html

Festival Nights Forest Green Fringed Infinity Scarf at LuLus $29.00 *

http://www.agacistore.com/charlotte-embroidered-dress/50010-16674.html?dwvar_50010-16674_color=51#q=boho&start=1

Charlotte Embroidered Dress At Agaci $36.90- * This is similar to my dress

My dress I found at a boutique store in soho which was on clearance for $12.00

http://www.agacistore.com/mudd-55-super-fringe-moccasin-boot/24020-15316.html?dwvar_24020-15316_color=1#q=boho&start=1

Mudd 55- Super Fringe Mocassin Boot $34.90 at Agacia *

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THE PEPLUM: FASHION’S JINGLE BELL ROCK!

It’s that time of the year and holiday influenza is slowing taking over our TVs, retailers, local Starbucks, and of course our clothes like a plague! Unavoidable to say the least, so you mine as well embrace with open arms the holiday spirit.   Holiday parties and events are a “bright time, it's the right time to rock the night away!” But with fashions jingle bell time it’s the perfect occasion to rock a peplum! Are you ready? Ready to give fashion’s modern day Marilyn Monroe aka Kim Kardashian a run for her money!  Whether you want to whittle your waist and show off your beautiful curves or make a grand debut in a unique ensemble, the iconic peplum is the perfect trend to va-va-voom! Not only is it the quintessential combination of sex appeal and sophistication, there is a style to satisfy even the most selective fashionistas!  Whether your craving a peplum top or dress, here are 3 bombshell ways to jingle bell rock all holiday season!

SPARKLE AND SHINE

If your like myself it only takes one sparkly piece to get my holiday spirits flowing! Whether you prefer sparkle over shine, or vice versa this is one way you will be stirring up mayhem at all your holiday parties and for good reasons! The easiest way to add a bombshell effect to the peplum is look for designs that cotain glitter, sequins, sparkles, or metallic. When going for your sparkle or shine remember to stick to simple designs.

STYLE TIP: PLAY UP THE ACCESSORIES

To create a modern day Marilyn Monroe in the most elegant way stick to a simple  designs. Focus on playing up the accessories like the jewelry, handbag, or shoes to create the perfect combination of sex appeal and sophistication.  I did exactly that by going for a brown/black lightly sparkled plunging peplum dress. I opted for a gold tribal inspired necklace and a indigo blue clutch with gold detailing. Finally, I wore black tights to create a symmetrical flow between the dress and the booties.

LAVISH IN LACE

Get ready for the trumpets to be out playing, “Jingle Bell Rock” upon your debut when you march into the grand entrance of your destined holiday soirée with Ms. Lavish Lace! One of the easiest ways to transform into instant bombshell is through rocking lace. Just like the delicate nature of the fabric lace, the art of wearing it can be complex, so tread carefully! With so many peplum styles on lace, it’s best to pick a design that is going to accentuate your features. Whether it’s a certain color that makes your skin glow, or a unique cut that shows off your curves, just focus on what you want to flaunt and then choose styles that will do that.

STYLE TIP: ADD A BIT OF EDGE

To put a fresh twist on this ultra feminine look add an element of masculinity. The best way to do this is through punk inspired trends. Look for items that incorporate these elements like studs, chains, leather, and boots.  For example, adding a bootie instead of heel with a peplum dress, or if you're sporting a peplum top pair with leather leggings.

BLACK BEAUTY

Dress to Impress and blow bombshell expectations off the charts dancing the night away in a Black Beauty! This isn’t any ordinary Black Beauty, but this is the lbd version of the peplum! Whether you go for lace, mesh insets, satin, glitter, or a brown/black color like I did you can really have so much fun designing your own ensemble.

STYLE TIP: IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DETAILS

When wearing a lbd peplum it’s important to pay attention to all those details from beginning to end.  When  shopping for a lbd peplum choose something beyond the black fabric. What I mean by this is to look for unique silhouettes, designs, and fabrics. Second, pick one or two colors that you want to highlight and create a theme. I did just that by focusing on the blue in my purse, and the gold color in the necklace, cuff, and detailing on the purse, so gold and the blue were my accent colors.

HERE ARE RECOMMENDED LINKS

My dress is from Necessary Clothing the store on Clearance for $9.99- not online but at the store in NYC

http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/entity/276541.uts

Faux Leather and Lace Peplum Dress at Charlotte Russe $29.99

http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/entity/274568.uts

Metallic Foil Peplum Tank Top at Charlotte Russe

$19.99

http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/entity/274568.uts

Luxe Lace Peplum Top at Charlotte Russe $24.80

http://www.cicihot.com/clothing-dresses-cris-d1127.html?color=mint

Crochet Contrast Peplum Dress at Charlotte Russe $16.95

http://www.loveculture.com/7990100010.html?gclid=Cj0KEQiA-aujBRDqj772vpGfgooBEiQAzWAZUsjCYm4CBwFMA2hdeliat73iR2jAFdRzcCe-7E6zxJcaAt9R8P8HAQ

Gold Sequin Peplum at Loveculture at $39.00

GUY STYLE GUIDE: TIS THE SEASON OF SWEATERS!

With temperatures starting to dip, and snow not too far behind one thing is certain “Tis the season of Sweaters!”  With that in mind it’s a no brainer that your best fashion staple to protect you from the freezing temperatures is the ho-hum sensible but functional sweater. Yes, most of you men probably have that go-to sweater that has been around the block too many times you know what I’m talking about- the one from the gym to fun filled sporting events with the buddies to even a hot date night! Lucky for you, I have come up with four of my favorite picks for this season to make it the warmest one yet! Read on how to make a heated style statement wherever you go!

PICK 1: THE CLASSIC CREW

Classic elements always seem to persevere in the game of fashion. This definitely is the case with the classic crew, although simple in form it can be quite versatile. It’s the perfect go-to sweater to use in layering and can be the perfect canvas in creating stellar style depending on the color you choose and what you decide to throw over it.

STYLE TIP: Wear it under a leather jacket or over a collared shirt for an extra bit of dimension.

PICK 2:  THE VERSATILE V-NECK

Consider this the king of versatility when it comes to sweaters. The possibilities are endless with the v-neck whether you wear it on a date with a blazer and denim, or to the office by wearing it in a suit, or at a sporting event with buddies by throwing it on under a leather jacket.

STYLE TIP: It’s important that you pay attention to the fit when shopping for your versatile v-neck.  Don’t go too snug, because this is a sweater that commonly shrinks after washing, so go for one that has a bit of room to shrink.  Stick to collared shirts or v-neck undershirts when wearing layers underneath.

PICK 3 : THE SOPHISICATED SHAWL

The shawl neck cardigan is one of those pieces that can elevate your style to a whole new level. This is the perfect combination of winter masculinity combining both elements of warmth and ruggedness into one sweater. It’s great to add under a light jacket to create more of heavier feel jacket. 

STYLE TIP: Stick with neutral colors like grey, crème, navy, or black when rocking this piece and it’s important that you get the proper fit. Make sure it’s snug on the your shoulders, and the sleeves end at your wrist while it remains slim fitting down your arms.

PICK 4: THE GAME CHANGER CARDIGAN

No longer is the cardigan reserved for the librarian type and surely is becoming a fashion staple in the modern day man’s wardrobe.  This piece is a game changer in fashion and is the most versatile sweater out there. Whether you want to wear it buttoned up or buttoned down, it looks great with dark jeans and a tie for a laid back work environment, or pair with chinos and a t-shirt for a casual weekend look.

STYLE TIP: Look for a fine material sweater cardigan that has a fine thread count like merino wool or cashmere so it can be easier when layering. Always leave the last button unbuttoned when sporting a cardigan that is buttoned.

HERE ARE SOME RECOMMENDED LINKS:  *=top choices

http://www.hm.com/us/product/15217?article=15217-H#article=15217-L

Fine Knit Sweater at H&M $9.95

http://www.hm.com/us/product/47942?article=47942-E

Cashmere Blend Sweater at H&M $49.95

http://www.hm.com/us/product/92699?article=92699-X

Merino Wool Sweater at H&M $19.95

http://www.hm.com/us/product/16170?article=16170-C

Knit Cardigan at H&M $34.95 *

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=21men&Category=mens-sweaters&ProductID=2000085087&VariantID=

Shawl Collar Cardigan at Forever 21 $24.90

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=21men&Category=mens-sweaters&ProductID=2000060922&VariantID=

V-Neck Sweater at Forever 21 $14.80 *

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=21men&Category=mens-sweaters&ProductID=2073973576&VariantID=

Shoulder Patch Cardigan at Forever 21 $15.80

For more information go to www.frugalfashionite.com