Peplum tops: The Key to Hiding the Holiday Midriff

Two years ago, I made the mistake of buying Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for Halloween trick-or-treaters. Unfortunately, we did not have any trick-or-treaters that year, and it showed all along my midriff. I found myself eating two or three cups a day. Boy did it add up. By the end of the Holiday Season, I had put on a solid ten pounds. This year, while trying to be conspicuous with my little baby bump, I found a foil that works equally well for hiding the holiday cheer that may creep its way around your middle- peplum tops.  If I have not said it before, I cannot say it enough, peplum tops are a classy way to stay sexy. The fitted waists and flared bottoms make peplum tops romantically feminine and functional to boot. A peplum top is suitable for work under a blazer with pencil skirt or for the weekend with platform pumps, ankle length pants, and a tough leather jacket. Here are  two of my favorites: the In the Right Lace Top a Fully lined cotton, blend with stretch containing lining except through sleeves the sleeves. The In the Right Lace Top comes in ivory and sells for $52.99  atModcloth.  The Eyelet Peplum Blouse from Anthroplogie sells for $ 88.00, a short-sleeved eyelet cotton v-neck with button closure. The Eyelet Peplum Blouse comes in green, red, and white.

Until tomorrow,

Chamele

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Office Party Do's and Don'ts: Do Get The Velvet Sleek Boot Cut Pant From White House

I cannot believe it is that time of year again. It seems like just last year I was giving a sequin tutorial, and here we are again, 365 days later with sequins still at the top of the holiday go to list. With all the holiday merriment and eggnog abounding, I thought I would share some tips for the upcoming office  holiday party:

1. Do wear color! There is no need to feel the need to stick to your basic black when there are so many fun jewel tones this season. If you think red and green are too cliche, try this fun brilliant gold sleeveless sequin number. You are sure to be the life of the party. The Striking Gold Dress sells for $104.99 at Modcloth.

2.If you opt for basic black, do try some funky or fun-colored tights to spice up your festive gear like these also at Modcloth. only $14.99.

3.Do stay warm. I know you want to look cute in cocktails and minis, but you can look perfectly sexy in a flirty top and warm velvet pants like these red boot cuts from White House Black Market for $ 88.00.

4. This tip courtesy of  Hubby: do NOT wear wreaths around your neck. I asked him what he meant and he said sweaters with green trim. I think he means the ugly sweaters, and though it has become quite the trend to have an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, this does not entitle you to hang on to every festive knit that your momma owned in the Eighties. If you want to stay warm and simultaneously keep it sexy, try a nice knit shirt with a sexy open back like this one from Victoria’s Secret now on sale for $59.50

5. Do NOT imbibe to the point where the holiday office party subsequently becomes a dry event. Abusing free liquor has its costs. After you hit that second, you should slow down, or better yet just stop. If you want to get sloppy, try it in the comforts of your home. My favorite festive pick for warm cozy nights at home,  Southern Comfort's Vanilla Spice Non-alcoholic Eggnog. Simply add your own libations.

Until tomorrow,

Chamele

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Luxetips Style! Modcloth's Maxi's

I know the winter is quickly approaching, but with the crazy Atlanta weather, a maxi skirt is your friend fall or winter.  For cooler weather just add tights and boots. My favorite way to wear maxi skirts right now is with tissue turtlenecks and a blazer. When you slip on the blazer and a statement necklace, you can easily sneak some business casual into a formal business workplace (though I would not suggest it too often). Or it is a definite way to look spiffy when you do finally get to your Casual Friday. I like to look good and feel comfortable at work, and maxi skirts with elastic bands are a surefire way to make an 8 to 10 hour day not feel stuffy. Modcloth carries two of my favorites, the Chevron and Roll and the At Your Ledger. The Chevron and Roll has an asymmetrical hem that runs approximately 18 inches longer than front. The material is 47% Cotton, 47% Polyester, 6% Spandex, providing the perfect amount of stretch. The elastic waistband gives roughly 5 inches of stretch. TheChevron and Roll sells for $ 52.99 at Modcloth. The elasticized waist of the  At your Ledger , similar to the Chevron and Roll, providing 5 inches of stretch. It is a jersey knit with a 61% Rayon, 33% Polyester, and 6% Spandex composition. It is  $47.99 at Modcloth.

And remember Modcloth's free shipping ends on 12/28/11.  

Shop Now & Get Free Shipping On Orders $75 & Up. Happy Holidays! (Expires 12/28/11

Until tomorrow,

Chamele

 

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Luxetips Style! Modcloth Presents the Pumpkin Remoulade Top

Are you looking for something warm and fuzzy to brighten  your spirits with the dank weather and short days lurking around the corner? Modcloth never disappoints with their collection of fun fuzz. The Pumpkin Remoulade Top  is my latest desire. 

My "color story," as I was told, is anything in the melon family. Anytime that I wear orange or melon I get compliments. (Who doesn't love those?) Orange is simply a fun color,  and this top with its ruffled detailing at the sleeve and keyhole button closure at the nape of  the neck is a flattering look for office or for a crisp Fall weekend. I  know the Fall is coming to a quick end, but it is never too for pumpkin.  And, what I would pair it with? An equally bold blue or purple mini that screams, "Colorblocking is not just for Summer! " Try the  Love Moschino Mini Skirt  in blue, at YOOX, made from  55% Cotton and  45% Linen. 

The mini sells for $ 105.00. Or try the Sparkle & Fade Micro Mini Skirt  in  purple, selling for $34.00  at Urban Outfitters.  You can find thePumpkin Remoulade at Modcloth for $ 74.99.  

 

And Here is a SWEET MODCLOTH DEAL: 

Shop Now & Get Free Shipping On Orders $75 & Up. Happy Holidays! (Expires 12/28/11)

Until tomorrow,

 

Chamele

Luxetips Style: Studded Accessories

Hello Divas!

Chamele is back bringing us the latest on all things fabulous.  Yeah!

I recently inquired about the place to get the best studs. My fellow artisan  friend immediately sent this link to  Mesmeric Matter Supplies, a shop on Etsy,  and inquired why everyone had chosen that particular week to ask her about studs. "Are studs in?" she asked. As an artisan and trend-setter, she  always has her nose to the grindstone and  follows her heart instead of the dictates of trends. "Why yes!" I replied and sent her the links to all of my favorite studded accessories which included, a pair of Valentino gloves moto gloves and a pair of open toe Brian Atwood stilettos, both of which  I cannot afford. 

Luxe Divas, Trendy accessories are the kind of things we have to save on. Because they are in today and out tomorrow. So what do we to do? A little DIY (please note I am not touting copyright infringement at all.) Try purchasing a pair of these Samella stilettos from Aldo for only $31.49  Then just add your studs.  

If I can find some time, I may stud a purse and some shoes. When and if I do, I will  let you know how it goes. If you are not a DIY-er or if you are preoccupied with the holidays, try these trendy yet affordable chic looks:

The Sermoneta gloves ,$124.00, at Farfetch

The Two Lips Suzie Sandal, $39.95, DSW.

 

Until tomorrow,

 

Chamele

On Screen Vintage: Animal inspired by RaMona LaRue, Naeem Khan, Guess and more

Just finished watching one of the most well-crafted movies of all time! In my opinion any way.The Graduate is one of the greatest for a number of reasons- the sets and architecture;  the soundtrack; Dustin Hoffman pre-Rain Man; but more so because of Anne Bancroft, the original cougar. I had never paid much attention to her wardrobe the first time I watched The Graduate, but it is apparent, Anne Bancroft's character was supposed to be a domineering female vixen.

 

Take her first outfit, after Benjamin Braddock's graduation party, a shimmery a-line leopard print with a sheer overlay. She was an absolute vision. Feminine and seductive, but not trashy. The dress may seem a bit gaudy, put I would rock it all day long. While trying to seduce Benjamin, Anne Bancroft, or Mrs. Robinson, undresses to a brassiere and slip, which is what else but more leopard. Talk about sending a message. I read that the director was inspired by Henry James's "The Beast In the Jungle" when creating Mrs. Robinson's wardrobe.

 

Several scenes later, we see Mrs. Robinson in a leopard print coat, unnecessary for a Cali summer; but nevertheless, stylish. Later Mrs. Robinson dons a  black tie-neck sweater with a fitted giraffe print skirt.  I searched for some classy animal prints you can add to your wardrobe in honor of the on-screen legend, including: a leopard print bra by Dirty Pretty Things at  Asos for 86.20; a Guess leopard print faux fur coat  at Nordstrom for $178.00; RaMona LaRue giraffe print skirt at  Couture Candy, for $92.00 . Unfortunately, the Naeem Khan leopard inspired dress which would be characteristic of Mrs. Robinson is a little out of budget at $3990.00 but the Camilla and Marc Embossed Print is a nice substitute for $192.00 at Neiman Marcus.

 

Until tomorrow,

 

Chamele

Luxetips Style! Rain or Shine: Dizzy , Vivienne Westwood and Mel's Shoes Bring Excitement to Bad Weather

With the rainy days of late Summer approaching, I have been inspired to purchase some fashionable finds for the even rainier Fall that may lay ahead. Of my favorites, the Lola by Dizzy takes booties to another level. The jelly bootie is accented with a rubber bow. It will certainly have you singing in the rain and not afraid to brave less than favorable weather.  The Lola sells for $34.98 at Lovemyshoes.

 

My next favorite pair is the Rain Or Shine Flats by Vivienne Westwood. They are translucent brown with a peep-toe and cheetah print bow. If Audrey Hepburn wore a rain shoe, this would definitely be the one. The Rain Or Shine Flats sell  for $130.00 at Anthropologie.  

If you find those are a little steep for your budget try one of the three colors offered by Dizzy. The Dizzy Solcomes in black with a cream bow, black with a red bow, and cream with a black bow. Comparable in cuteness to the Rain or Shine Flats but at a fraction of the cost. The Dizzy Sol are on sale at Amazon for $38.00.

 

I also heart the Keep Up the Lace Rain Boot at Modcloth. It is a clear ankle boot with lace print. It sells for $57.99 at Modcloth, but is currently out of stock. I am keeping my ears to the ground, eagerly listening out for their return. 

 

Who says dressing for the rain can't be fun?

What do Tracey Reese, Philip Lim, and JCrew Have In Common?

The Henley!

Hubby exclaimed that he liked henleys and "little simple shirts." I think he meant, he liked little shirts, period If you catch my drift. I too like henleys. They can be covertly sexy. The henley serves to function as  practical casual wear, but if you leave a couple of buttons unbuttoned you can find that it can be just as inviting as a tight pair of jeans. Here are several different versions of the collarless button-down that range in both texture and style, including: a comfortable oatmeal onesie by Philip Lim, on sale at Sense for  $75.00;  a powder blue silk Tracy Reese that would be great for the office, now on sale for $159.00; and a  classic and comfortable mustard version JCrew $36.50 . Enjoy!

Until tomorrow,

Chamele

Luxetips Style! Got the Blues- Cole Haan and Modcloth Ocean Blue Sandals

I have had the opportunity to do a fair amount of traveling lately but none of which has been to the beach. Two of my colleagues are getting some fun in this sun this week while I will be stuck in the drudges. (I know... I already had my vacation.)

 

I had noticed myself drawn to ocean blue sandals, namely a pair the Cole Haan Haven and more recently the Secluded Island Sandal at Modcloth. It was then I realized I must be missing something- the ocean.  No beach trip for me this year. Having the pics of these two of these rich blue beauties in my web browser may be as close as I get to the beach for now. They are perfect as you can wear them into late Summer and perhaps even sneak them into early Fall.

 

The Cole Haan handpainted Haven Flat sells for $ 148.00 

and the Secluded Island Sandal sells for $34.99 at Modcloth.

Until tomorrow,

Chamele

Color Blocking With Zara!

Let me start this post by saying that I am overjoyed at Zara's decision to sell online in the U.S. The skies opened and rays of sunshine poured out from heaven when I read about it. September 7th is marked in my calendar!

Someone complimented me on my color blocking. I didn't even realize that is what I had done. I just wanted to wear my new blue skirt with my tangerine blouse. From what I have been reading though, it seems there is some hesitancy on how to colorblock. My advice- the only rules there are the ones you set. Do what comes natural. Pair a solid bottom with a solid top and there you have it. If you are wary of color stick to two colors or a monochromatic color scheme using shades or tones of the same palette.

Maybe a little lesson in color theory can help you with your pairings:

Primaries-Red, yellow, and blue are primaries. Any combination of these colors would work. Unless one of those is not your color, in which case you may still wear the color, just try that one on the bottom. Some options: a yellow top with blue skirt; yellow top with red shorts.

Secondaries- a mix of two primary colors i.e. purple, orange and green. Try orange and purple together or with a primary color. For example mix: purple and red, blue and green, or acid yellow and lime green.

Tertiaries- a mix of a primary and a secondary i.e. red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green, blue-green, red-purple, blue-purple. Fun stuff, eh?! Try a yellow-orange top with  blue-purple bottom or red-orange top with  red-purple bottom.

Compliments- Those are the colors directly opposite on the color wheel. … Maybe I will save that tutorial for later, just know that compliments i.e. blue and orange work well together as do a compliment with one of its neighboring split compliments. 

My favorite colors to colorblock right now are tangerine and purple. Check out Zara’s Tangerine Collar Gathered Blouse for $59.90 and Purple Skirt with Zip Pockets for $49.90.

Until tomorrow,

Chamele

Wood You Suggest Your Anniversary Gift? Maison Martin Margiela Wood Rings

Is it tacky to suggest your anniversary gift? We (Hubby and I) always celebrate our anniversary, and I have a suggestion for a gift. With the high divorce our country maintains, even in a recession, you have to make each year count and nothing is wrong with a small token, right?  I know exactly which small token I want, too!

August will make five years. The traditional gift is wood. (Hubby is a strict traditionalist, no modern anniversary gifts fir the Style Chameleon.) Wood. That could mean a variety things - furniture,  a practical and much-needed gift; more fun wedge heels; or perhaps the Maison Martin Margiela Wood Rings at Sense, now on sale. The rings are 100% brass rings with  silver tone and 100% wood paneling with embossed corners. My only issue that the rings are sized small, medium and large rather than by numerical size. I guess I should go for medium and I can wear it my pinky at a minimum., but I am hoping to wear it on my the first finger or the thumb of my right hand. You can find the rings atSense for $222.00.

Postcard from Paris: Morroccan Leather at L'Olivier

Walking through the 4ème arr., I ran across a leather shop that caught my eye. L'Olivier is a tiny shop off of rue de Sevigne. The owner regularly imports hand-dyed and hand-made leather purses, briefcases and satchels from his native Morocco.

             

Smelling the freshly tanned leathers and seeing the bright colors, I was a kid in a candy store. Feeling overwhelmed and rather than buy everything I bought... nothing. I have been thinking about the unbelievably great prices (even in Euro) ever since I returned.

              

The basic satchels are increasingly in popularity here in the States with the growing retro Seventies trend. Just check out wheredidugetthat, they are being spotted all over New York, and famed blogger Karen can’t seem to find them in NY. I can’t help you there, but if anyone is wondering where they are in Paris, check out L’Olivier. Now, we just have to figure out where to find them in Atlanta. I will keep you posted.

 

Until tomorrow,

 

Chamele

Postcard from Paris: Dore Dore Stockings

One trend that I repeatedly saw in pairs was stockings. Shocker! the French have always been a been manufacturer of hose, but they are also famed from throwing stocking to the side and wearing bare legs.

Many younger girls wore stocking with their cut-off jean shorts and flat sneakers- i.e. Converse. Twenty and thirty somethings wear dark stockings with their boots and ballet flats. Generally the color of the stocking matched the color of the boot.

I must admit, as warm as it was, stocking classed up short cutoff denim and mini-dresses. I almost never saw any outfit more than one or two inches above the knee that was not accompanied by a stocking, unless it was a young child. I recently  wore a dress to work and felt almost naked after seeing a week’s worth of mini-dresses accompanied by stockings.

One smartly dressed individual  that I came across was a young woman in her late twenties wearing a polo, red V-neck pullover and navy blue short shorts. She wore sheer stockings with a slight shimmer,  a la Pippa,  and  70’s style sandals. The best place to get hose in France, Dore Dore, since 1819.

Until tomorrow,

 

Chamele