STUD Muffin

Guys aren't the only ones to claim stud status today. The new wave of tiny, chic earrings (street name: "studs") have made their mark. Everything from sunglasses to neon pave balls to arrows and birds, there's a stud for everyone.

Who's your muffin? Style on.

STYLINGSTAGE suggests:

Multi-stone studs, Topshop:




Emily Elizabeth, Hugs & Kisses studs, Max & Chloe.com:


Dark Glamour Flower studs, Nordstrom:



Reptile Bird studs, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Piperlime.com:




Painted Jewel studs, Kate Spade, Piperlime.com:




Patterned Heart clip-on studs, Forever 21:





Foxy Originals, Red-White-Green Wig Wam, Max & Chloe.com:



Rectangle Pyrimid studs, Piperlime.com:

More IS More

The holiday creep is upon us and shopping is inevitable.  Why not support a company whose mission statement is to help others? Not just any other, but the very least among us.   Here’s a list of companies whose primary goal is to help those in the most desperate of situations acquire a better, more humane life on earth.
More for you = much more for them.  Shop on.

STYLINGSTAGE suggests:

FEED:  Tote Bags/T-shirts/Accessories.  Lauren Bush’s charity helps fight childhood hunger.

http://www.feedprojects.com/default.asp

 

(RED): Multi-item (iPad cases, strollers, watches, etc).  Charity with goal for an AIDS-free generation by 2015.         

http://www.joinred.com/               

            

             

 

 

AMAZIMA: Jewelry. Missionary Katie Davis’ ministry helps Ugandan women gain economic prosperity.

http://amazima.org/

 

 

MALIA Designs: Handbags. Owner Lia Valerio uses fair trade and supports the ban of human trafficking in Cambodia.

http://www.maliadesigns.com/

 

TOMS: Shoes and Shades.  Buy shoes, and TOMS will donate a pair of shoes to a child in need.  Buy shades, and proper medical eye care will be given to a woman in need.

http://www.toms.com/

Pants Party

Sometimes I get hung up on one trend, especially when it’s SO much fun.  The latest hoot: printed pants.  Yes, prints of all sorts today are worn on your lower, (usually) more discerning half.  But, the trend won’t last long.  Why not join the fun?

The Rocker:
- Print/type: paint splats or snakeskin on black or grey skinny jeans
- Style it: pair with loose tank, long skinny blazer and motorcycle boots

The Hostess:
- Print/type: mini florals on deep-colored, loose, cropped trouser
- Style it: neck-tie silk blouse, pointy pumps and a chain-link mini shoulder bag

The Introvert:
- Print/type: brocade print or mini polka-dot on velvet trousers
- Style it: white button down, cashmere scarf and jewel-toned ballet flats

The Momma:
- Print/type: neutral vertical stripes on faded, dark-blue skinny jeans
- Style it: cozy t-shirt, wrap sweater, scarf and gold-tipped loafers

The Socialite:
- Print/type: oversized graphics on white, slim, cuffed up jeans
- Style it: bright-colored sweater, shrunken leather jacket and black suede booties

It’s a Pants Party…and everyone is invited.

STYLINGSTAGE suggests:

Guipure Lace Trousers, Zara:



Collection Graphic-print Pant, J.Crew:



Free People Ikat Print Crop Skinny Jeans, Nordstrom:





Printed Trousers with Contrasting Waist, Zara:




Stripe Print Jeans by J.W. Anderson, Topshop:

Free People Polka Dot Velvet Pants, Nordstrom:

My Favorite Things

“Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes; snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes.  Silver-white winters that melt into spring..." Oops—wrong faves. But seriously, these are a few of my favorite things:

Topshop: current, cool-girl clothes (think Isabel Marant), a variety of jean styles and textures, lots of runway-inspired looks and a personal stylist service to boot.
The link:  www.topshop.com

My favorite thing:
MOTO Scandi Floral Leigh Jeans


 

Zara: modern, edgy, Balmain-inspired clothier. Lots of great basics, gorgeous outerwear and prices to rejoice over! 
The link: www.zara.com

My favorite thing:
Coat with Leather Sleeves

























Endless.com: now merging with Amazon fashion, this is seriously the one-stop shop for shoes.  Search by price, color, style and brand!

The link: www.endless.com OR www.amazon.com/fashion

 

My favorite thing:

Lorissa Pump in white snake, Sam Edelman

Piperlime.com: an online fashion superstore that recently opened their first brick and mortar in NYC. Very trendy, lots of hip guest editors (Rachel Zoe, Olivia Palermo and Rachel Bilson). Good variety of dresses, tops, jeans, shoes and jewelry. And free shipping!

The link: www.piperlime.com

My favorite thing:
Polka Dot Blouse, Tinley Road





















Nordstrom: the premiere department store. Amazing brands, top-notch customer service, fair return policy, personal stylists (at no charge) and a killer website.  Enjoy a solid rewards program and half-yearly sales too.
The link: www.nordstrom.com

My favorite thing:
Mini M.A.C. Shoulder Bag, Rebecca Minkoff




Other faves: H&M, Forever21, ASOS.com, Joe Fresh and Uniqlo.com.  Great for cheap statement jewelry, unique outfits, trendy accessories and fresh style inspiration. 

STYLINGSTAGE suggests:

All of the above. Happy styling.

WonderFALL

Happy, happy, joy, joy! The 2012 September fall fashion issues have arrived.  As expected, they’re super heavy, loaded with ideas and oh so pretty. Fall is the most exciting time to dress, and these trends are sure to keep your wardrobe full of wonder:

Peplum: the shape of the season, no doubt.  Flares at the waistline and looks great with a pencil skirt, cigarette pant or even a cool pair of jeans. Solids knits are a safe bet, but lace and boucle also work. 

Color: Primary colors are top dogs and red and cobolt blue take center stage.  Volume coats, envelope handbags, and slim trousers, are just some of the big players.  Black is also making headlines, this time paired with gold, and color-blocking is back.

Leather: the “it” item for fall, look for pants, skirts, t-shirts trimmed in it, and of course every bootie from here to the moon.  Try leather leggings with a long, tuxedo blazer and a loose blouse for the freshest take of all.

Metallic: it's time to shine! Look for glazed jeans, sequin blazers, ornate necklaces, shiny crossover bags, and gold tips or studs on shoes. It’s all good, including nail color.

Printed pants: a trend from summer, seek jewel tones and opt for prints like geometric, floral, or tuxedo stripes on the side.  Cropped trouser shapes are best.  Balance this focal piece with a subtle top.

Embellishment: the "bedazzle" is here.  Lace, crystals, brocade, beads, studs, you name it.  Mind you, it’s a fad, so it won’t last long. Stick to accessories, necklines and gorgeous frocks—no jeans!

Pointy shoes: long live the point! Pumps in silver (yes) or t-strap details are very current, or consider a flat in animal print or blue suede.  A note of encouragement: begin every outfit with your kicks!

Simply wonderFALL.  Style on.

STYLINGSTAGE suggests:
 

Boucle Peplem Top, Topshop.com:

Whistles Camille Textured Dress, ASOS.com:

Leather Leggings, MICHAEL Michael Kors:

 

Enzo Angiolini Ciminio Pumps, Piperlime.com

 

Milly Clutch Amelia Calf Hair, Bloomingdales:




Trousers with Tie Print, ZARA:




Quilted Leather Biker Jacket, Mango:



DV by Dolce Vita Lunna Flat, Piperlime.com:
 

Colorblock Ponte Knit Skirt, White House Black Market:




Juicy Couture Spiked Collar Necklace, Nordstrom:



Geo Print and Contrast Tie Blouse, ASOS.com




7 for All Mankind Pewter Metallic Jeans, Piperlime.com:

SHOEspiration

When inspiration strikes, I want to shout it from the moutaintops--just like Ron Burgendy! Well maybe not like that, but you get my drift. Here's the shoe that gave me that "knights of columbus!" moment:

Jimmy Choo "Tempest" Sequin Sandal:

 

Frankly, this is not for the faint-of-wallet. But, no need to fret.  There are many budget-friendly ways to rock this inspiration.  Dream big, shoe lover.

STYLINGSTAGE suggests:


Sam Edelman Lucia Sandal, DSW:




Liliana Pray-1 Platform Sandal, Endless.com:





Dagraca Wedge, Aldo:




Holleratme Sandal, Nine West:





Michael Antonio Sandal, 6pm.com:




G by Guess Niola Pump, DSW:

Flashback City

I just woke up recently and wondered if I was in Oz.  The color and retro sightings are everywhere!  Want a quick update to your wardrobe without looking like a munchkin? Check out these over-the-rainbow ideas:

Acid Wash Jeans: YES, I’m totally serious. Most authentic in a light blue or grey wash, but color rules this season so why not red or purple?  A classic low rise skinny leg paired with a sweet, bo-ho tunic will surely ignite the Wicked Witch!

Kicks: ruby slippers not necessary, but high-top sneakers, colored loafers and flat espadrilles and sandals ARE.  Wear them with whatever your heart desires, and be sure to click your heels 3 times.

Neon: definitely a “fad,” but nonetheless VERY cool. Try a yellow or pink tank top paired with a floral cropped pant or a metallic mini for some pizzazz.  Caution: requires courage!

Jean Cut-offs: Need brains? DIY is best. Find an old pair in your closet or scour a thrift store. Cut them off and wash + dry to obtain “best fray" results. Pair with slouchy t-shirt and a skinny crossover bag. 

Shades: the “Wayfarer” is far out! To make it modern, opt for a brightly colored matte pair, or go classic black and white, if you’re the serious type.  There’s no place like this.

Follow that yellow brick road to your past…and have a blast this summer!

stylingstage suggests:

Acid Wash Ultra ASOS.com:

 

VANS ALLRED high-tops, Famous Footwear:

Skinny Jegging in Neon Lemon Lime, American Eagle:

Skinny Floral Print Pants, ASOS.com:

Ray-Ban Classic Wayfarer in Matte Pink, Nordstrom:

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Damian Espadrilles, Piperlime.com:

Destroyed Demin Midi Short, American Eagle:

Threads for Thought sundress, Piperlime.com:




DV by Dolce Vita "Archer" Sandal, Endless.com