Dresses & Bows: How it's Done

On Friday, I plan on wearing a Milly black silk bow dress to a gala, which is pictured below. The gala is black tie optional, so as usual I scurried around my closet like a mad woman, until I found the perfect dress via Rent The Runway. Dresses and bows have had long been associated with 'frilly' and 'frump' and the right style can be hard to find. Luckily I found a few that are both classic and chic! 

My Gala Dress:

Milly 'Dominique' Gaza Dress

- Rent the Runway  $50
- Neiman Marcus $145

- Nordstrom $375

Alice + Olivia Gretchen Dress - Shopbop $145

Kate Unger Strapless Bow Dress - Saks Fifth Avenue $330

Lotusgrace Moire Faille Double Bow Dress - Saks Fifth Avenue $428

Kate Spade New York "Shelley" Dress - Bloomingdale's $248

Fall/Winter Style Must Haves

November is almost over and December is fast approaching. No matter where you live - whether in a mild or cold climate it's fun to fall into fall style! Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you have to slack off on your wardrobe, embrace the chill in the air with great wardrobe choices. With these steps you will be looking effortless (key!) and chic in no time.

Oversized cardigans and sweater wraps - Lucky Brand and Victoria's Secret carry some of the best quality and affordable sweaters around.                              

Boots - both tall and ankle length. DSW and Payless offer a wide selection for the shoe concessioner.

You need that one stand out piece - why not let it be your coat. Try a pea coat in a vibrant hue or a leather jacket. Both are available at Victoria's Secret and Macy's.

Let't not forget the basics, pair with dark wash jeans in a skinny or straight leg cut and your possibilities are endless. Lucky Brand's jeans are made to fit women with curvy physique - your calf will not get stuck in these 

jeans!!

Remember these basics can be mixed and matched to your hearts desire. It's okay to choose color - but keep the colors on the cooler end of the spectrum. Simple and  effortless - these tips will keep you warm and stylish for the season.

Style 101: Must Haves

This list of must haves was well thought out and researched based on actual women I know - not celebrity must haves. I have nothing against celebrities, but we needed real world culture in this list.

1.Boyfriend blazer (grey/blue)- it's versatile, you can wear with jeans or skirt and it's an updated version of the basic black. I own the blazer pictured from gap in grey.

2. Oversize Leather bag (color) - great bags never go out of style and purchasing according to seasons can get overwhelming, purchase a bag in a dark mustard or grey, that way you can wear all year round. 

3. Leather bomber - although in previous post I have advocated purchasing "fake" leather for those who aren't ready to purchase the real McCoy, every girl needs at least one real leather jacket in her closet, it will last for a very long time and what a great way to keep the cool. 

4. V-Neck T-Shirt - grab one in every color and can be purchased at most retail shops, these will go great under  a cardigan, blazer, or jacket.

5. Pearl Earrings - a classic that has lasted through the ages, this must have will never go out of style.

6. Ballet Flats - great staple, can wear with a dress, skirt or jeans.

7. Denim (Jean/Jacket) - update jeans by purchasing in straight leg or boyfriend jeans if you don't want to go skinny or try a destroyed denim look. The denim jacket is also an item that you can pair with anything in your closet. 

8. Chunky jewelry - think big statement necklaces or bracelets that you can wear with  simple tops (like the v-neck tee). Scour garage sales, ebay, vintage stores or your grandmothers closet for one of kind pieces.

9. Graphic Silk Top - an abstract artistic print can "make" your outfit and silk creates the flowy and chic aesthetic. 

10. Le Scarf (colors) - Can add that extra something to any wardrobe and you can wear it throughout the seasons. Make sure you purchase in purples, yellows and blues to add pop to your outfit.