Crop It

If you look in any magazine, you’ll see that one of the biggest trends of this year is the crop top.  Based on the Spring ’14 collections shown at Fashion Weeks all over the globe, it seems as though the crop top isn’t going anywhere either!  Whether the crop top is loose fitting or more body conscious, one thing that all iterations have in common is that they accentuate the slimmest part of most women’s body, the natural waist.  Who doesn’t love that!?

Don’t be fooled by raunchy images of a crop top wearing Miley Cyrus (damn you, Miley)!  Crop tops, when done right, are down right ladylike and sophisticated.  Let me show you how it’s done:

LOOK #1:  Alexander Wang crop top / J.Crew high-waist cropped pants / Zara metallic ankle strap shoes / Gap snakeskin foldover clutch / BaubleBar onyx gem bib necklace

LOOK #2:  Topshop short sleeve sequin top /  Topshop midi leather pencil skirt / Kate Spade New York book clutch / Zara asymmetric kitten heel  / Dannijo faceted drop earrings

Now repeat after me: I CAN WEAR A CROP TOP! I CAN WEAR A CROP TOP!

How are you going to be styling a crop top this holiday party season?

XOXO,

Stella

Style Chameleon: The Faux-Fur Vest

This past weekend I was having a “serious” discussion with my girlfriends about how good faux materials are these days.  From leathers to fur, often times you really can’t tell the difference between the fake and the real thing.  This got us to talking about how and when we’ve been wearing our leathers and furs and new ways to style them.  One of the girls mentioned that she has owned a fur vest for a few years, and now that she is balancing a successful career and raising a toddler, she really hasn’t figured out how to bring her vest into her day-to-day life.   So Ali… this one is for YOU!

Let’s start at the beginning.  What sort of vest do you choose?

From left to right:  Fuda Reversible Faux fur vest ($) / Calypso St. Barths ‘Georgie’ faux fur vest ($$) / Theory ‘Caris’ fur vest ($$$)

Now that you’ve selected your vest, here is a simple breakdown of how to easily take it from day-to-night:

Topshop striped shirt / H&M parka / Georgie faux fur vest / Topshop black faux-leather legging / Kendra Scott yellow gold stud earrings / Madewell plaid scarf / Hat Attack black leather baseball cap / TOMS Washed Camo Canvas Women’s Classics

Uniqlo cashmere sweater dress / Georgie faux-fur vest / Zara blue denim jacket / Old Navy olive green tight / Frye brown high boots / Zara handbag / Lulu Frost necklace

Pedro del Hierro short lace dress / Georgie faux-fur vest / Zara leather booties / Burgandy studded clutch / Humble Chic wrap bracelet / Jones New York garnet earrings / BCBGMAXAZRIA waist belt / Tom Ford plum lipstick

How do you style your fur?

XOXO,

Stella

Black and White with a POC (Pop of Color)

Whenever I’m in a wardrobe rut and an having one of those days where I hate everything in my closet (I know you have those days too!), I inevitably fall back on some of my favorite basics- a white t-shirt, black pants, moto jacket and great pumps.  Black and white is a color combination that is seasonless and looks just as chic during the day, as it does glammed up at night.  The bright red/orange pumps make the whole outfit pop (hence, the POC label) and all of a sudden, you have yourself a great look.

Photography by ShannonAhlstrandPhoto

Zara T-Shirt – no longer available (similar – #1, #2 & #3) / J.Crew Pixie Pant with Leather Tuxedo Stripe / BCBGMAXAZRIA Moto Jacket – no longer available (similar – #1, #2 – on sale & #3 / Casadei Red Pumps – no longer available (similar – #1, #2 & #3) / Zara Leather Citybag Satchel / Stella & Dot Pendant Necklace / Etsy Name Plate Necklace

XOXO,

Stella

Style Chameleon- The Little Black Dress

I have to tell you… while a short one, this week is NUTS!  Between back to school orientations and chaos, my son’s 5th birthday and subsequent party, upcoming weekend house-guests, etc.  I feel as though my mind (and body) is being pulled in one-thousand different directions.  It’s weeks like this that I attempt to simplify my life as much as I can- even down to my outfits.  Well, what is simpler than a little black dress (LBD)?!  I can already predict that it’s going to be my go-to all week long, taking me from pre-school playgroup with my daughter, to school-curriculum night, to a late dinner and drinks on Friday!  Here’s how:

H&M jersey dress / J.Crew fleece hoodie / Superga grip trainer / Jennifer Meyer Jewelry yellow gold earrings / Hat Attack black baseball cap / Stella McCartney Aviator in Gold

H&M short dress  / Zara mixed materials trench coat / DV by Dolce Vita leather booties / Coach purse / Topshop chunky necklace

H&M short dress / Zara leather jacket / Zara black booties / Gap leopard purse / Cartier Gold jewelry / Cartier Gold bangle / Hermès red leather wrap bracelet / BaubleBar stud earrings

Done and done.  Now, if only packing 20 birthday goodie bags was this easy!

XOXO,

Stella

One, Two, Three- HIKE!

Happy Labor Day! I hope everyone is enjoying their long holiday weekend!

While I am currently shedding a single tear for the technical end to the summer season, I’ll be honest, I’m psyched for the return of football! College, NFL, Fantasy leagues… All of the above, I’m not picky.  I think my Fantasy League draft yesterday might have set off my football fever (let’s all cheer for my 2013 team- The Twerking Mileys)!  Now, all I can think about is chili, cornbread, beer/cocktails, and weekends cheering on the couch with my family and friends.  All good things.  So this post is my ode to you, football!  Let’s do this.

What to Eat:

CHILI!!! There really is nothing better than a hot bowl of spicy chili to heat up a crisp fall night.  One of my favorite chili recipes can be found HERE.

(Image/Recipe courtesy of fabtasticeats.com)

What to Drink:

I think that in addition to the traditional beer, you can’t go wrong with a properly made Bloody Mary.

SPICY BLOODY MARY

Serves: 2

12 ounces tomato juice
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish, drained
3 ounces vodka
2-4 dashes Tabasco Sauce
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
¼ teaspoon celery salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Juice of 1 lemon
Ice
Celery spears and jalapeno peppers, for garnish

1. Whisk together the juice, horseradish, vodka, hot sauce, Worcestershire, celery salt, pepper and lemon juice in a small pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Pour mixture into 2 large glass filled with ice and garnish with celery spear and jalapeno.

What to Wear:

J.Crew blue zipper hoodie / Madewell knit pants / Zara t-shirt / Puma ballet flat shoes / Toy Watch black watch / Humble Chic charm jewelry

Here’s to a great season ahead!

XOXO,

Stella

The Ultimate Fall Transition Color- Camel

Camel, caramel, sienna… Call it what you want.  I think it’s the ultimate color solution to transition your wardrobe from summer to fall appropriate. All you need is that one special, classic piece and instantaneously those summer duds start looking richer, more saturated and of course, cozy.  Pretty perfect.

1.  J.Crew cashmere cardigan – I can just picture this guy layered over summer florals (this or this – both on super SALE) with some of my go-to menswear inspired oxfords (these)!
2. Rag & Bone booties – These booties are clearly turning into (another) shoe obsession for me.  I. MUST. OWN.
3. AG Adriano Goldschmied skinny cords – A silky pastel button down (this – now 30% off) and your summer nude heels (these) would be lovely for a night out!
4. Over the shoulder tote- Doesn’t this bag look so soft?  The perfect everyday bag.
5. YMC toggle pea coat – A summery light chambray button down (this), some dark wash skinnies (these) and you’ve got a great fall look.
6. H&M infinity scarve – A soft white t-shirt (this) plus your lived-in summer jean cutoff shorts (these or these – both on SALE).  Add one cozy scarf, and aforementioned booties (see #5).  BOOM.  You have yourself a fall weekend outfit.
7.  J-Crew Factory camel mini skirt – Remember those updated sweatshirts I mentioned (here)?  Well, those would be the perfect topper to this skirt.

Is it just me, or is there a chill in the air?

XOXO,

Stella

Style Chameleon- The Oxford Shoe

As I mentioned in previous posts (here), sadly, only a few wardrobe items made the cut from “Working Momma” to “Stay-at-Home Momma.”  One of my closet all-stars, that not only made the cut, but continues to garner compliments 2+ years later is my pair of leather oxfords.  These tomboy staples give all of my outfits some interest and flare, and give my feet some serious comfort!  Now that we are headed into fall, what better way to update your closet than with this new classic.

1) French Connection blue cropped jacket

2) French Connection blouse

3) BaubleBar gold charm jewelry

4) Longchamp leather purse

5) Bass oxford shoes

6) J.Crew cropped woolen pants

7) Mango buckle belt

1) J.Crew Slim indigo chambray shirt

2) Alliebelle crossbody handbag

3) J.Crew iphone case

4) Bass oxford shoes

5) Zara boyfriend jeans

6) BKE wrap bracelet

7) Quicksilver blazer

1) BaubleBar clear lucite earrings

2) BCBGMAXAZRIA gold envelope clutch

3) Bass oxford shoes

4) Mango embellished jacket

5) Zara fit & flare dress

Have a great Tuesday!

XOXO,

Stella

Mexican Retreat

While my wild and crazy days may be well behind me, my life with two kids includes some wild and crazy moments of its own.  Albeit, a very different rated G kind of wild and crazy.  Most recently, I’ve been finding myself mentally transporting to a place of “calm” when things are at their most hectic. Usually, this calm involves flashbacks of a recent child-free vacation to Mexico: beach, sand, cocktail(s), good food, good company and PEACE.  So today, I’m taking it one step further and physically bringing some “Mexico Love” into my day.

I’m feeling muy bueno already.

WHAT I’M WEARING:

1) Long Printed Dress (zara.com)

2) Studded Leather Belt (jcrew.com)

3) TKEES Flip Flops (otteny.com)

4) Rebecca Minkoff MAB Tote (shopbop.com)

5) Ivory Horn Pendant Necklace (lordandtaylor.com)

WHAT I’M EATING:

Tomato & Watermelon Salad (via epicurious.com)

WHAT I’M DRINKING:

Simple Peach Margarita

Ingredients-

For Cocktail:

• 2 oz silver tequila
• 1 1/2 oz peach schnapps
• 1/2 C peach nectar
• 1 lime juiced

For Rim:

• 1 TB sugar
• 1 tsp lime zest
• pinch of chili powder

Directions-

• Run a small piece of lime around the edge of your glass, then dip the glass into the sugar/lime/chili mix
• Add all ingredients into cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 sec
• Pour into rimmed glass and serve!

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO:

 Ambient lounge/poolside music… TRUST ME!

Where is YOUR mental retreat?

XOXO,

Stella

Rules of Attraction: Embracing Your Signature Color

It was a steamy summer night.  The lights were dimmed low and the crowded room pulsed with energy.  Out of the corner of my eye I spotted “The One” and I knew right then and there that I would not be leaving alone that night.  I was totally caught in an unstoppable web of attraction.  There was nothing I could do but stop resisting and allow myself to succumb to its draw.

“Hey, baby…” I whispered…

WHEW!!! Who knew that shopping could be so HOT!?

Apparently, like in dating, the rules of attraction apply to style as well.  Just like that certain “type” you couldn’t/can’t resist, I recently realized that a certain color has the same effect on me.  Meet my color wheel boyfriend- POPPY RED.  He’s bright, he’s cheerful and he compliments my hair color and skin tone.  I’m a sucker for a compliment.  Most importantly, we are just a good fit.  Fads and seasonal colors may come and go (hello, mint green!?), so don’t be afraid to embrace your own signature hue.  Eventually, your signature hue becomes “YOU!”

Below are some of my favorite “Poppy Red” finds:

1. Zara “Skort” (zara.com)

2. Silver Plated Teardrop Earrings (etsy.com)

3. Marc by Marc Jacobs Henry Dinky Watch (bloomingdales.com)

4. Proenza Schouler Ps1 Pouch (mytheresa.com)

5. Square Pyramid Spike Bracelet (dorothyperkins.com)

6. Zuma Bracelet (dannijo.com)

7. LaLucca Gia Wrap Bracelet (maxandchloe.com)

8. Red Haute Chile Pep Dress (modcloth.com)

9. Saturdate Heels (saturday.com)

10.Come Here! by Essie (zappos.com)

So tell me, what is your “type?”

XOXO,

Stella

Lions & Tigers… and Leopard Print? OH MY!

Happy Thursday all!

It’s been HOT, HOT, HOT in the CLE!  We’ve been running our AC units non-stop and I’ve been taking every opportunity to go to the pool with the kids and try to cool down.  Ironically, it almost makes me wish for a day of rain- even after our 16 day marathon wet streak not too long ago!

Getting dressed for this sticky weather means light layers and simple pieces with maximum impact.  This morning I turned to my trusty friend- the animal “print.”  I put “print” in quotations because in my head, animal print patterns are not really a “print” per se.  They are in fact, a neutral.  Yes, you heard me right.  Animal print is a go with everything, be everything addition to your wardrobe.  Whether you’re feeling bold and bust out a leopard print top, or you’re a little more low key and go with a spotted or striped accessory, you really can’t go wrong.

Here are a few of my favorite finds and combinations:

 

Edith A. Miller polka dot tee / Dittos jean cutoff shorts / Topshop floral flippy skirt / Zara ankle strap heel sandals / TOMS black shoes / Kate Spade handbag / Zara leather purse

ROAR!!!

XOXO,

Stella