Perks of the Poncho

It's that time of year where mornings and evenings are a little cooler and we often find ourselves layering! In the past it's been the classic cardigan or pea coat, but set your sites on the poncho this fall/winter! The poncho or cape isn't just for Halloween. The poncho has become practical and not to mention, super cozy! The cape is the ultimate in ladylike apparel and refinement. The new cape is more modern glamour girl and less superhero like!

Not only is this article easy to throw on, but it creates the ultimate shape! Throw this on over most anything! Skinny jeans, trousers, a dress and tights, leggings...the list goes on! It adds instant polish to even the most casual, thrown together look.

For Saturday brunch with the girls, go weekend chic! Put this over denim with a printed tee or blouse peaking out from underneath. Add a bootie and a mimosa and you're sure to impress!

For work days, this will become your go-to! Throw it on over tights for a super sophisticated look or your black pants. Did I mention how great the contrast of over-sized and tights or crop pants looks? The over-sized poncho is sure to create an instant slimming effect. If you are wearing a skirt or dress, make sure the hem isn't longer than the cape or poncho.

Relax a little with a poncho sweater, leggings and flats! A long necklace will finish the look while still staying casual. With your coffee in hand, there's no denying your laid back sense of style!

Fall Fashion Trend Alert

Labor day has swept by us and we are welcoming pumpkin spice lattes, crisp mornings and college football! We are in the midst of NY fashion week and are eagerly stalking the runways of all our fave designers. Fall is upon us and we've got some trends that are irrepressible!

Riding Boots - A flat leather riding boot will quickly become your best friend this fall. The equestrian inspired boot looks classic and preppy and is easily paired over skinny jeans, leggings or under your shift dress. Not only are they aesthetically appealing, but are actually comfortable!  Look effortlessly chic at your next tailgate or Saturday brunch!

Peplums - When you think peplum, you might be having a total 80's flashback, but they have returned! Style yourself with a peplum skirt, dress or top for a flirty and feminine look. It can add a twist to your typical pencil skirt, blouse or LBD. Not to mention, you will adore the waist-cinching effect!

Poncho - There's no comparison to the feeling of wrapping up in an over-sized cozy sweater as the fall weather sets in. The poncho will be your ultimate style companion. Toss this on over a a fitted pant or legging and you're out the door! Add boots or booties for touch of glam.

Silk Blouse - This piece is so transitional! It can be tucked in for a professional and classic look, or un-tucked for more casual day-wear. The silk blouse is everywhere and in an array of different hues, prints and patterns. Tuck it under a fur vest or blazer or let it stand alone and add a chunky or long necklace.

No matter which style is your favorite, or if you decide to try all of them enjoy this fall fashion!

Jewel Tones

Take a breather from the trendy neons that we have seen all summer and soften your color palette a little and enter the realm of jewel tones! As fall gets closer and closer, don't fall into the trap of black and gray for warmer wear. These colors are empowering and highly sophisticated. With names like sapphire, amethyst, ruby and citrine,  it's hard not to feel like a million bucks! Get noticed this season and follow in the footsteps of some of our most chic celebrities such as Rachel McAdams, Reese Witherspoon, and Mila Kunis who have all rocked the dreamy color palette.

For maximum impact, wear the hues head to toe. . The gemstone colors are flirty and fun and easily to work into attire for every occasion. A crop pant and fitted blazer will show off your womanly power and you will be sure to stand out from the crowd. A jewel toned shift or wrap dress is simplistic and classic. All these tones work well with black tights, leggings or pants. If you are unsure, stick to black as a complementing color.

If a head to toe look is a little nerve-racking, let your accessorize shine! Sparkle with a clutch, bangles, or ladylike heels in these precious tones. 

Sweetie Pie

Sweetie Pie jewelry is a local line that started in Chapel Hill. This jewelry is not only affordable and well made, but at a great price point! Did we mention how desirable it is? It has been featured on Gossip Girl as well as mentioned in Us, Glamour, and InStyle magazines. Sweetie Pie offers the perfect pop for every occasion. Go urban with the gunmetal collection or be girly with sweet and delicate pearls. SP has a wide variety of necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. They have everything from simple to elaborate and many of the pieces can be mixed and matched for a chic look! The jewels are sold exclusively in small boutiques on the East Coast, and it is always a best seller!  In addition to having something for every day wear, many of the pieces in the collection have been featured in bridal magazines for bridesmaids and the bride.

Join the slew of celebrities like Kelly Ripa, Jessica Biel and Cameron Diaz who are finding these gems to be a hot commodity! Stop by the store and adorn yourself in these beautiful locally inspired jewels!

Totally Tribal

As we transition into Fall, there are may trends on the horizon that your wardrobe is dying for! It's time to go tribal and be bold! The tribal trend consists of strong graphic prints with an Aztec feel to them. These can be black and white or full of color!

Because the prints are oversized, they look best on simple shapes. Think a shift dress, tunic or loose chiffon blouse. When working to accessorize this look, go for natural accents such as a wooden arm bangle or brushed gold. Matte sets off the colors and will complement the prints perfectly. As the weather gets slightly cooler, opt for a different approach to your boring cable knit sweater. Try a tribal inspired poncho or cape over leggings or skinny jeans. For an ultra daring look, try a pair of waxed tribal print pants! Make sure not to go overboard with prints on this look. Go for a solid on the top and an understated flat or bootie.

If you would like to ease yourself into the trend, start by pairing an ethnic printed clutch or over the shoulder slouchy bag with your every day outfit. There are also tons of tribal bracelets that stack well with other jewelry to try!

Get inspired, go tribal! 

Chambray Perfection

You've seen it everywhere! Blogs, store windows, on all the clothing racks...it's chambray! And for those of you who were wondering; cham·bray noun \ˈsham-ˌbrā, -brē\ a lightweight clothing fabric with colored warp and white filling yarms. Looks like denim, feels like cotton! Chambray shirts are totally basic and totally necessary! From dresses, to tops to skirts...this stylish fabric is calling your name! 

The classic chambray shirt can easily take you from summer to fall. While it's still warm, pair it with almost any color or pattern of shorts. Tuck it in, add a belt and you're out the door! Put it with a pastel or floral skirt and flats as your transition into fall. One of my favorite looks is the chambray tunic over leggings with riding boots or a loafer. Since colored skinnys have become a wardrobe essential, a chambray top is easily integrated with all colors! The denim color can almost be considered a neutral, almost all jewelry will contrast well! Colored jewelry, silver, gold or gemstones.

A chambray skirt will look great with a solid or stripped top. Add a cardigan to balance out the look. The chambray dress is also very popular. It fits like a shirt dress and is very forgiving to any figure! For a more fitted silhouette, belt it. Add color with a scarf or bold flats. Cowboy boots are also universally flattering with chambray!

It's soft, cozy and refreshing and it comes in a dreamy palette of blues and grays. What's not to love?

Chambray Perfection

You've seen it everywhere! Blogs, store windows, on all the clothing racks...it's chambray! And for those of you who were wondering;

cham·bray

noun \ˈsham-ˌbrā, -brē\  a lightweight clothing fabric with colored warp and white filling yarns. Looks like denim, feels like cotton! Chambray shirts are totally basic and totally necessary! From dresses, to tops to skirts...this stylish fabric is calling your name! 

The classic chambray shirt can easily take you from summer to fall. While it's still warm, pair it with almost any color or pattern of shorts. Tuck it in and add a belt and you're out the door! Put it with a pastel or floral skirt and flats as your transition into fall. One of my favorite looks is the chambray tunic over leggings with a riding boot or loafer. Since colored skinnys have become a wardrobe essential, a chambray top is easily integrated with all colors! Since the denim color can almost be considered a neutral, almost all jewelry will contrast well! Colored jewelry, silver, gold or gemstones! 

A chambray skirt will look great with a solid or stripped colored top. Add a cardigan to balance out the look. The chambray dress is also very popular. It fits like a shirt dress and is very forgiving to any figure! For a more fitted silhouette, belt it. Add color with a scarf or bold flats. Cowboy boots are also universally flattering with chambray! 

It's soft, cozy and refreshing, and it comes in a dreamy palette of blues and grays. What's not to love?