Contemporary Lace

When you think of lace, you most likely picture old doily cloths or ancient wedding gowns. Lace can look old and stuffy pretty easily, and it takes some effort  and innovation to take it from Old Lady to Contemporary Woman. This season it comes in all colors and cuts. Designers have transformed it from a safe, boring choice to a risk in fashion. Below are a few lace styles available this Fall.

Find them here: 1. Romper, 2. Dahlia Dress, 3. Lace detail boot, 4. Tank, 5. Melly Dress.

More things to love about Fall: Jewel Tones

I know its cheesy, but one of my biggest style icons is my mom. I've been saying for 22 years that when I grow up I wanna dress just like her. We've both pledged to add more color to our closets, and this fall we're both loving jewel tones. They're based on colors found in precious stones like emerald,  topaz and sapphire. I love them because you can have elements of glamour, but still stay within your budget! With  Here's a glimpse at some pieces available this season:

1. Multi-color dress, 2. Color block skirt, 3. Silk dress , 4. Wrap dress,
5.Silk blouse, 6. Trousers, 7. Asymetric top, 8. Shift dress.

P.S. Happy November!

Add Interest to the Fall Chill with Jackets

This weekend we experienced the first snowfall here on the east coast (OcSNOWber!) and it got everyone thinking about cold weather clothes. For me, one of the best parts of fall is that I get to wear layers! Over the past few years, I have been dubbed the "layering queen" by friends and family. Most of my base layers are the same basic colors. The more a piece of clothing is exposed, the most interest it can add to an outfit. Whether its an eye-catching pattern or a rich texture, the outermost layer is where you can spice it up!

Jackets: Velvet, Fringe, Feather print, Bird print, Plaid.

Monday Motivation: Mix it up!

The best way to combat Monday Blues: add color! Bold prints are to be embraced in all their forms this fall, from tried-and-true plaid (top right corner), to a new take on animal print (bottom left corner). When your mood is down and you need to uplift your spirits, dress the part! If you read this post to late, after you've already dressed yourself and left the house, use it to look forward to next Monday.
Have a great week!

Find 'em here: 1. Spaghetti-strap dress   2. Maxi dress  3. Earth tone dress   4. Crossover blouse
5. Zig-zag shoe   6. Missoni trousers  7. Animal-print ombre dress   8. Shades of brown pants
9. Tribal print coat   10. Maxi skirt.

Weekly Motivation: There's No Time Like the Present

via DesignSponge

Sometimes the best way to motivate yourself is to take it slow. Paying attention to a task along the way to its completion can be just as fulfilling as the product itself. One of the best cases is DIY projects. What is more satisfying than the knowledge that you can make anything more beautiful and meaningful with your own hands? Below are some steps on creating inspiring 'florals' from fallen leaves. The rest is over at DesignSponge.

The full step-by-step process.

Midweek Mood Board: Earth Tones for Leather and Knits

This week's mood board is dedicated to the best aspect of fall weather: making us want to get comfy. What better way to embrace the current season than creating the simplest fall palette? Earth tones represent quite a few autumn elements like durability, protection and rich warmth. You can usher in the season with neutral earth tones from the board below:












Find them here: First row- Infinity scarf, Legwarmers, Knit sweater, Portfolio clutch,
Second row- Leather trousers, Worn-in boots, High-waisted shorts, Cardigan.

Monday Motivation: Embrace Nature Year Round

With fall weather approaching, it is only natural to escape the cold and seek solace indoors. I can appreciate the change in the landscape during the fall/winter seasons, but I will miss the life and color I see during the warmer months. One solution is to bring the outside in with beautiful plants you can enjoy year-round. Now there are creative ways to display them and give your home a unique organic feel, even when the landscape outside your window is lacking.

Sources: 1. Tropical bathroom, 2.Vine leg table, 3.Organic Entryway, 4.Living wall art.

Midweek Moodboard: Animal Textures Continued

I have become quite fond of clothing inspired by animal print/fur this season. I want to note that I do have a love and respect for animals, but I've noticed that their fur/skin looks fierce on me as well (just do everything in moderation and embrace faux options). Last week's moodboard focused on trendy items, but this week is inspired by the autumn season. Trends are fun, but functional items that look amazing are a win-win. Fur is prominent this season in all its forms, and cozy West Coast 1970's influences are popping up in quite a few editorials. In short, warm animal textures are all over right now, including below:

You can find these items here: 1.Aplaca-blend sweater, 2.Fur and suede boot, 3.Faux-fur jacket, 4.Two-tone jacket, 5.Shearling vest.

Midweek Mood Board: Cocktail Attire

All this talk about New York Fashion Week's got me in the mood to party and socialize. But as a Stylista, we all know you have to take this tradition and make it your own. Besides, the whole idea of cocktail parties is to take things to the next level while still keeping it classy. Here's my take on cocktail apparel:

Dresses from Asos: Contrast, Bandeau, One-shoulder

Affordable Cocktail Rings from Fantasy Jewelry Box: Citrus Orange, Contemporary, Octopus

Unique Clutches from Modcloth: Black, Beige, Tan

Shoes from Shopbop: Glitter Pump, Taffeta, Platform

Monday Motivation: Back to School

It’s time for a little review session. What’s the difference between a Fashionista and a Stylista? Answer: Fashionistas are people who follow fashion. They always showcase trendy items they’ve collected to let everyone know they are en vogue. The Stylista takes note of the trends, but always stays true to own aesthetic. Stylistas pick and choose from the fashion of the day, incorporating their own personalities into every outfit.
Now that we’ve had a review, we can put our lesson into practice. There’s no topic as timely as the ever-so-cyclical ‘back to school’ theme. I urge you to pick and choose pieces that speak to your own personal style and make them work for you. Good luck!

Get started on your back to school style with some of the hottest trends this fall: 1) loafer heels, 2)black and white button down, 3) tortoise shell frames, 4) midi-skirt, 5) trousers, 6) cheetah print slippers, 7) snakeskin clutch, 8) elbow patch crew sweater, 9) Missoni sweater, 10) faux fur coat.

P.O.T.W.

Sorry I haven't been posting this week...Hurricane Irene hit my area pretty hard. Here's the next photo of the week. It's one of my favorites from Vogue this month.

via cocoaluxe

At Ease

Model -Jordan Dunn