Trail Blazer

Blazers are the new tees! Blazers have joined the ranks of tees as style staples. Everywhere you turn, you see this stylish jackets.

We know that a perfectly structured blazer goes well with jeans (the skinnier the better), but how about stepping up the chic level an donning a distressed pair? The look has a casual chic air and is a great way to dress down the blazer for an everyday look.  

Pair your blazer with your trusty LBD. Take a sophisticated approach and rock the black blazer and step it up with a material such as velvet. This is also a great time to add color or pattern (loving jacquard) to the mix and you are ready to paint the town!

Take a light-weight dress from fall to winter with the simply addition of a blazer and layer up. You can do the same with your short sleeve graphic tees or cotton tees by layering the blazer over the top as well. The tee, blazer and a ponte pant or legging are style perfection!        

Getting dressed for work doesn't have to be a bore. A cool gray blazer is ideal for an everyday office look. Don't hesitate to pair it with a trendy top such as a peplum blouse or add a print such as polka dots.

Trust me, you NEED a blazer in your wardrobe. Dress it up or down, layer it or make a statement. No matter which style you choose, you are sure to be ultimately chic with the season hottest staple; the blazer!

Loving Local - Lori Snyder

Fresh off of our successful jewelry trunk show this weekend, we were excited to debut our latest jewelry line, Lori Snyder. Lori entered the industry in 2000 when she opened her first store, Charlotte's Beads and Gifts in Winston Salem, NC. The store was set in an old southern style home and featured "make your own jewelry and gifts" which became known as funky and eclectic. A wonderful idea, but it did not fulfill her dream. Her true passion was designing and creating beautiful pieces of art work, which was not fulfilled with her store alone. She felt that she could not fully express herself as an artist. In 2004, she decided to launch her own hand-made jewelry line and Lori Snyder jewelry was born.

Her designs are eclectic and fun, but also great for every day. She uses semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls, and vintage inspired gems.  Her use of color and vibrant hues is sure to make a statement. Her pieces feel one of a kind with combinations of gold, silver and colored beads.Stack then with an every day tee or add elegance to any attire for your holiday party. Mix and match, but these are sure to dazzle this holiday season. Grab a piece for you and put one under the tree! They make great gifts!

Radiant Orchid

Pantone has released their 2014 color of the year. While emerald still seems to be all the rage, it’s time to welcome in the new Pantone Color of The Year — radiant orchid! The soft, muted hue is a noticeable change of pace compared to it’s predecessors, but we’re excited to welcome the pretty purple! Every December, Pantone ushers in the new color — and that means you can expect to see it on practically every item on store racks and shelves. From nail polishes to purses, the color is definitely going to have a major moment — but you don’t have to wait for 2014 to try it out!

While at first glance the hue screams bridesmaid dress, it actually is all the rage for spring, with so many designers incorporating it into their collections — but that doesn’t mean you can’t rock it in the winter and fall! With fuschia, purple, and pink undertones there’s so many ways to sport the shade. For fall or winter, a muted version on a tote, coat, or dress is the way to go. If you aren’t a fan of the hue we recommend easing into the look with accessories that can dress up your basic staples and add a pop of color to your look. You also can rely on a pretty tint for your lips and cheeks to showcase the shade — and that you can wear all year long!

Poncho Perfect

Chilly days (and nights) are among us. Say goodbye to our southern warmth and welcome winter with open arms. This season, the addition of a poncho (or 2, or 3) into your collection is a must! Originally a Native American outer garment, the poncho has evolved into a style essential. It protects for from fall's chill and keeps you cozy in winter.

When the chill of fall is not overwhelming, wear a tiny or thin poncho over your tank or light sweater paired with jeans and riding boots for additional warmth. Because the poncho is formfitting, keep the bottom portion of your attire more structured and fitted. A skinny jean, legging or ponte pant will work well.

When transitioning from fall to winter, you need outfits that are not too warm, yet are enough to keep you comfortable when the wind turns chilly. A longer poncho can achieve this! Choose a poncho that can be worn as a coat or heavy wrap-around dress. A belted poncho can quickly be worn open when it's mild or wrapped tightly around you when the wind requires. A longer poncho allows you to transition from pants to tights. This can create a dressier look. Pair with booties or keep with the higher boot.

As temperatures drop and winter months set in, make sure the fabric of your poncho is sufficiently warm. Go for thick wool and cashmere blends. Add a turtleneck sweater teamed with a fitted pant and over-the-knee boots.  Have fun with your poncho and mix materials. Leather or fur trim looks classy, yet fun for cool temperatures. The addition of fur is also sure to keep you cozy.

We are loving our selection of ponchos for every-day or happy hour!

LBD with a Twist

It has been a fashion staple and go-to for centuries. We think it's safe to say the LBD is put on heavy rotation. For brunch, with friends, office meetings, girls' nights out, or your hot date, the LBD can be transformed time and time again. While you can always play it safe in this "can't go wrong" look; why not amp up your typical LBD? It's true the frock is timeless, but step up your style and opt for a twist on  a classic.

A casual day of holiday shopping can call for a black shirtdress. Simply pair it with boot or tights and flats for a cool and preppy look. Add a shape by belting the dress and don't hesitate to add a bold earring or necklace if you feel the need for bling.

A black leather dress is the ultimate in sexy. Pair it with tights and a crystal or jeweled collar necklace for date night or an evening out on the town. Because the leather is dramatic, keep the rest of the attire low key. Keep with the black theme and go with your simple black pump.

A black sheath dress is always a favorite, but pick up a little bit of attitude by choosing a sheath with embellishments or texture. We are loving the use of tweed and a tweed sleeve is all you need for a modest, yet upscale look. If you crave sparkle, look for a sheath with the embellishment on the sleeve or around the neckline. Embellishments are festive without seeming overboard.

Metallics have been a trend for not only jewelry, but garments as well. Choose a LBD with a touch of metallic. This can be shimmery thread woven into the dress or a panel of silver. The use of a silver, gold or pewter will give the attire a dressier flare without having to go full on cocktail.

Play around with texture and fabrics. Incorporate lace, fringe, feathers or tulle. It doesn't have to be as dramatic as a feather skirt, but can be subtle such as a panel or cutout lined with tulle.

It's true that there is something to be said for a classic, but a little fashion update never hurt anyone. Play with fabrics, bring on the glitz and glam it up for the season in your remixed LBD!

Put on Your Party Pants

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Present wrapping, festive cookies, holiday parties! Spread good cheer with holiday and party attire that is just right! Don't be fooled that pants aren't considered dressy when it comes to party attire. Put on your party pants and get noticed this season!

We are loving the emergence of the textured pant! Fall in love with jacquard prints that add pattern. Embrace the power of print such as a damask. Combine your printed pant or crop with a deep hued top or blouse. Go festive in a shimmer pant. Don't limit yourself to the generic metallics (though also a great option) stand out in royal blue shimmer or a jeweled tone emerald for the season! Go glam in a sequin legging. These scream festive, so keep it simple on top. Opt for a simple blouse or solid blazer such as black, navy or winter white.It's no secret that leather is a hot topic as we transition into winter. Pull your fun and sparkling top out of the closet and pair it with leather pants. Another great option with the leather is a silk blouse tucked in or your faithful peplum sweater. Wax denim has been the rage for fall and it will take us straight into holiday season as well. We don't always consider denim holiday appropriate, but with the right top, jewels and accessories you will be a party princess. Let the denim serve as the most casual part of your outfit. Dress it up with a lace top and large sparkling earrings. This is your chance to add color with a bold suede pump in a hue such as red or a sequin flat.  

If you fret that your party pant is too casual, always dress it up with accessories! A gemstone necklace or dazzling drop earrings can add the extra "umph" you are looking for. A crystal clutch will catch anyone's eye or a shimmery pump exudes festive style!

Happy party hopping!

Fabric Blocking

Forget color blocking for fall; it's the stark contrast of various fabrics that have caught our eye! Fall 2013 collections are showcasing multi-patterned patchwork and fabric blocking creations, half and half fabric swatches like abstract leather panels on wool or silk sleeves on suede and tufts of fur make mixed media dressing a game changer this season.

Different fabrics add texture and a fun element to any article of clothing. It is a way to switch up from your typical monotone sweater and add dimension. Leather is a huge addition to garments this fall. Leather panels on pants, leather sleeves on a top or a leather pocket on a dress. Dress up your attire with silk. A silk bell sleeve or silk hemline is perfect for an evening out! The use of lace is elegant! A lace overlay or panel is sure to draw eyes your way. Stay cozy by adding suede! Mix and match any of these desirable fabrics with your everyday cotton, wool, or cashmere.Blocking these together make for an irresistible ensemble, plus steps up your fashion game!

We are swarming with fabric blocked pieces. Lots of leather, denim, silk and more! Whatever the occasion, we have day to evening looks in store now!