Luxetips Style: Make A Statement With Stone Savant Jewelry

Hello Divas!

Do one thing everyday to bring you closer to your goals.  All it takes is one step at a time!

Earlier this week, I attended a jewelry showcase featuring some very unique, eclectic and gorgeous statement pieces.

The name of the jewelry company is Stone Savant Jewelry and the designer is Danielle C. Hinton.  Danielle's inspiration for creating the line came from "the bohemian vibe in Los Angeles, CA."  Specifically, she was inspired by how the L.A. Divas mix funky clothing, boots and bold accessories to create that laid back but cute Cali vibe.  You know the look: the cut off shorts, cowboy boots, a funky top and a killer statement piece necklace.  

Here are a few pieces I absolutely adored!



This blue stone is insane!


Tiger Eye!



More pieces from the collection.

Stone Savant just launched in October 2011 and pieces can be purchased online here.  The price point is between $150 and $300.

Toodles!

Luxetips Kids: Nike, Gap, and Target

Hello Divas!

If you get discouraged, disappointed or depressed, never give up on you, your goals, and life. You have to keep on fighting!

Luxe baby has been looking so cute lately and I decided to do some posts on her little outfits.  When I purchase clothes for my kids, I always buy high, low and in between.  Usually the high end items include shoes and outwear.  The low end items are from Target, but great quality and good for playing. And in between includes the GAPs, JCrews, etc.

I love GAP for kids because the clothes are stylish and of very high quality.  The clothes are made well and can take a beating and keep on ticking.  Luxe baby looooves GAP hoodies and she choose this zip-up hoodie with the word GAP in metallic purple.  She has good taste!


Underneath the GAP hoodie is her Circo Target brand outfit.  You can purchase tons of shirts and leggings for $5 bucks each and mix and match them.  Of course pink is her favorite color.


The Nike Boots are her very best accessory. She loves these shoes. She gets tons of compliments on them and she eats it up.


Toodles!

Luxetips Style! Saks Fifth Avenue Aida Open Toe Pump

Hello Divas!

While shopping at the outlets for the kids, I rolled into the Off Fifth Saks outlet just to window shop and came across these:

Ooh la la!

They were an extra 50% off the clearance price and the leather is like "butta".  Four inches of happiness!

I always shop Off Fifth for deep deep discounts on designer and quality merchandise.

Toodles!

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

Luxetips Travel! Packing for a 4 Day Trip in a Weekend Bag

Hello Divas!

P.U.S.H...Pray Until Something Happens.  It works!

I am not super organized in my general life, but when it comes to packing for a trip, I have it down to a science.  You see when I was a new young attorney living in New York, I traveled a lot and I always checked my bags.  After a certain airline lost my luggage about 3 times, I decided if I could not put all of my things in a carry-on, it had to stay home.

Well for my Essence trip, I packed two outfits per day (my standard rule) and packed enough shoes and accessories that were interchangeable and complimented every outfit.  EVERYTHING fit into my shoulder weekend bag and I was elated.  Take a look at what I packed:

Traveling Outfit Day 1:

This is what I wore on the airplane.  The shirt is from Forever 21.  The white linen pants are from Target.  I have these pants in tan and black.  They are lined and awesome!  The wedges are Guess and I purchased them for only $24.99 from Ross.  The authentic vintage python bag is a gift from my adopted Aunt.  Her style is timeless.  I love that python bag.

Night Out Outfit Day 1:

This is the DVF dress I purchased from The Lucky Exchange for only $35.  I paired it with my Chinese Laundry platforms and silver accessories.  After walking in the wedges all night and dancing in the Superdome, I wore a pair of silver Chinese Laundry flats that were a life saver.  The Chinese Laundry platforms and silver flats are from Ross and were $20 and $12 respectively.

Day Outfit Day 2:

I knew Day 2 would be packed with Ford activities such as test driving vehicles and hanging out at the Ford booth, so I wanted to be casual but really cute.  The striped dress is from my favorite boutique, K-La.  It was only $35.  The earrings were gratis via K-La boutique.  I purchased the dress on my birthday during Mother's Day weekend.  They were giving away free earrings with purchase.  Score!  I paired this outfit with the python bag and wedges.

Night Outfit Day 2:

I knew I was in for a treat with Kanye performing, so I went for a comfortable but sexy look.  This 100% silk Kimchi Blue dress was only $30 at The Lucky Exchange and it is in mint condition.  It was perfect for a night of concerts.  It is lightweight, comfy and gorgeous! I decided to ditch the platforms that night and simply wear my silver flats.  Good idea considering how much I was jumping around when Kanye performed.

Day Outfit Day 3:

This day I wanted to be a little bit more casual but stylish of course because we were going to a BBQ restaurant.  I purchased the skirt from Target for $20 and it is the cutest skirt ever!  It is has pleats in the fronts and pockets.  The striped shirt is light and loose and I purchased it from Ross for only $8.  I wore my silver flats and chilled that day.  This is now my favorite outfit!

Night Outfit Day 3:

Well on the last night I decided to glam it up a bit and rocked my black romper, black platforms and gold accessories.  I also styled my hair in a Farrah Fawcett feather style and if I must say, I was looking pretty hot! LOL!  However, after watching Kem, Trey Songz, New Edition, and MJB, the platforms had did me in.  But I ALWAYS carry my flats, so I changed into my gold flats and was back in business!

Day 4: Traveling Home!

I always try my best to look comfortable and well put together when traveling by air.  So I wore my gorgeous $7 on clearance, Target print dress and my wedges.  I also carried my white eyelet jacket by Willi Smith.  Planes get cold and it is always nice to have something to throw over your shoulders.  I purchased this jacket from The Lucky Exchange for only $18! Classic.  I paired the outfit with dark brown wood earrings.  They are on the shoes in the pic.

So how did I get all of this in my weekend bag with my makeup case?  Well I balled up the dresses, skirt, and shirt and lined them on either side of the bag. I put all of the shoes in the middle.  I placed my make-up case on top of the shoes and I stuffed my undies and things in the inside pockets of the bag.  Done.

As you can see, you can always travel light and still live the luxe life!


Toodles!

Urban Outfitter's Cut-Out Dress

I know most people want to find a flirty way to say hello, but sometimes you may want to find a flirty way to say goodbye. It is much better to end well than to begin well. A  cut-out dress is the perfect way to make a dramatic exit. Cut-out dresses are both demure and spicy. I think of it as the mullet of dresses- business in the front and party in the back. The Sparkle & Fade Knit Bow Back Dress is a simple crew-neck, black jersey dress that hits mid thigh. The back of the dress is a cut-out bow that shows the slightest glimmer of skin. The Sparkle & Fade Knit Bow Back Dress comes in black and green and is sold at Urban Outfitters for $48.00. Just think:  you walk by that certain someone, give him a long glance and sly smile, and then turn and walk away. No need to wink, the dress says it all, "Follow me." 

 

Until tomorrow,

 

Chamele

Bespoke Bibliophile: Out of Print Clothing

I love to read.  I always have. I fell off a bit somewhere between the Land of Too Many AP classes and the perilous waters of A Year of College Biology, but pleasure reading is once again pleasurable. Out of Print Clothing has the cutest shirts celebrating the classics you love and those you may have also hated. The t-shirts and sweaters feature some famed jacket covers and some out of print covers. Best of all, for each t-shirt sold, one book is donated to a community in need through Books For Africa. Here are a couple of my favorite shirts:

The Great Gatsby Women's T-shirt, $28.00

Streetcar Named Desire Men's T-Shirt  $28.00

Pride and Prejudice Women's Fleece $42.00

Until tomorrow,

Chamele

Victoria's New Secret

This is Dedicated to the One I Love, and the One He Loves...

Hubby is a sports fan in every since of the word. I really think he is in the wrong profession. He makes perfect play calls. The first and last thoughts on his mind are not of me but rather Volquest or ESPN. He bleeds Tennessee orange. I thought he was going to cry when Phil Fulmer retired. He always chastises me when we go to the football games because I don't wear any "real" paraphernalia. I have plenty of cute sweaters and shirts in Volunteer orange and I have two hats at best, but no tight tees that scream, "Tennessee."  I was looking on Vicky See's for a demi bra, and guess what I ran across? You got it, a freaking  University of Tennessee Pull-over Crew Neck. I just can not get away from sports, can I?  The pull-over is cut in the eighties fashion so it hangs slightly off the shoulder a la "Flashdance" and has a cute graphic on the lower sleeve, not to mention kangaroo pockets to store your minis for the games.  I meant to say: in order to put your hands in when it gets cold. You can find the University of Tennessee Pull-over Crew Neck - and other collegiate sports goodies, including panties-  at Victoria's Secret  for $54.50. Vicky's apparently has all sorts of secrets.

 

Until tomorrow,

 

Chamele

New York Fashion Week Kicks Off Today!

Hello Divas!

Did you know positive energy is more powerful than negative energy?  If you don't believe me, just try it!

Today is the official start to New York Fashion Week.  I went two seasons ago and it was exhausting, exhilarating, beautiful and a once in a lifetime event.  Unfortunately, I have to work so I will not be in New York this season. Boo.  However, rest assured Luxetips will bring you the backstage and behind the scenes looks for Fall 2011.

For example, I just received word that ALL of Lancôme's national make-up artist including Daniel Martin will work together for the first time at the Chris Benz show.  Wowza!  Lancôme will showcase all of their new make-up for Fall 2011.  You know I love Lancôme and I can't wait to see the looks they create.

And if you don't know, Chris Benz is a fashion week sensation and is clothes are so creative and amazing.  I can't wait to see his fall line!

Photo Courtesy of Shopbop.com

Stay tuned for detailed beauty and style coverage of New York Fashion Week!

Toodles!

Ripple of Excitement Dress at Modcloth

I have made every effort to keep from getting "caught up." You know what I mean by "caught up?" I mean, getting myself into the sticking situation that is shopaholism.  I guess if I were really making my best efforts, I would not bother going to online sites on a daily basis and making weekly stops to TJMaxx.   I just have to have a peek. You know what they say, "Curiosity killed the cat."  I have also heard "Satisfaction brought him back," and this little kitty has died and just about gone to heaven over the Ripple of Excitement dress. I look at Modcloth every day in order to see what is new. The site is updated several times throughout the day.  Recently, I found myself glimpsing at the Ripple of Excitement Dress, a gorgeous nude color, short-sleeved dress.  The sleeves are made of diaphanous layers of organza. The  dress is fully lined and has a side zipper. An organza sash is found at the waist and there is sexy ruching along the sides of the polyester knit. Moderately priced at $134.00, the Ripple of Excitement can be found at Modcloth.


Until next time,


Chamele

Day 2: Cigarette Pants

Smokin' Hot

 

I cannot say it enough: the looks of the 50's and '60's are the ultimate for ladylike attire. I always aspire to be more of a lady. Frequently, I admonish my mother for not saving any of her clothes from her younger years. Not that I would be able to wear them, but I love the authenticity of her handsewn a-line shifts in Pucci-like prints.

 

Currently, I am on the search for some cool cigarette pants to wear with soft gamine mohair sweaters so I can pretend that I am Rizzo from Grease. I found a couple of  options:

 

The Love Moschino is a classic black pant with front pockets and faux back pockets. Back pockets are so necessary on a cigarette pant because of the flat straight fit. You do not want to flatten all of your curves. As Moschino describes, " [cigarette pants are ] a heavenly habit you can't extinguish!' I agree. The Love Moschino Cigarette Pants are now $260.00 at Zappos.com.

 

BDG has both twill and corduroy cigarette pants. The  BDG Twill Grazer Cigarette Pant  comes in a mustard color suitable for the last days of fall. It contains both cotton and spandex, providing a little give in the hips, where you may need it most. The BDG Twill Grazer has both front and back pockets and  a medium rise. I cannot say how grateful I am for the medium rise pant.  I cannot go into the 30s with low rise pants. I could barely do it with  20-something hips.

 

BDG Corduroy Ankle Cigarette Pant  comes in a playful maroon color.  Like the BDG Twill Grazer, the Corduroy Ankle Cigarette Pant has both front and back pockets, a medium rise, and a percentage of spandex. What I love about both of these pairs are the amount of wear you can get by pairing the pants with funky heels in early fall, flats in early spring, and boots in winter. Despite its length, the cigarette pant is a very versatile. Originally, $49.00, the BDG cigarette pants are on sale now for  $ 29.00 at Urban Outfitters.

 

 

Until tomorrow,

 

Chamele

Madonna & Daughter Lourdes Launch Junior's Line "Material Girl"

Hello Divas!

I hope you are having a beautiful and fabulous Monday!

The Original Material Girl along with her daughter Lourdes are launching a fashion forward Junior's line rightfully titled "Material Girl" exclusively at Macy's August 3. 

The collection will feature clothing, footwear, handbags and jewelry and will be priced between $12 and $40! First I have to applaud Madonna and Lourdes for making the clothes so affordable.  This price point is perfect for teenagers and does not price families with a tight budget out of the "Material Girl" collection. Nice job.

The line will feature "hard and soft elements, like a tutu dress and studded combat boots, or an oversized boyfriend sweatshirt with a floral print mini skirt.  It’s all about self-expression and playing with layering."

Here are some looks from the line.  What do you think? Would you purchase this for your daughter, niece or cousin?
 

The looks are very reminiscent of the 80s...but I like it.

Also if you join the Material Girl Collection's Facebook Fan Page or follow them on Twitter, you can receive information on how to enter a contest to meet Madonna at Macy's Herald Square (one of my favorite stores) in NYC!

Toodles!

PREEN MAC COSMETICS AND CHARLOTTE RONSON

Hello Divas!

I hope you are having an awesome day! It is rainy and coooold in NYC! But that does not stop Mercedez-Benz New York Fashion Week!

Today I had the opportunity to cover make-up and hair for the Preen Fashion Show. Preen is a British label that was launched in 1996. The clothes are edgy, punk rockish, and futuristic. Keeping this in mind, the lead MAC Make-up Artist, James Kaliardos, created a look that was slightly futuristic with a masculine/feminine vibe. As Mr. Kaliardos stated, "the girls look masculine but are still super beautiful and feminine. The look was very light but futuristic. The MAC artist started with healthy looking skin.

Mr. Kaliardos

He then applied the following:

MAC Moisture Care Concealer. This product was applied only where needed. Full coverage foundation was not used.
MAC Pro Cheek Color in Sculpt was used to contour the cheeks and on the eye lids.
Lashes were curled only without Mascara.
MAC Pro Pigment in Platinum was used in the inner corner of the eye.
MAC lip conditioner was used on the lips.
MAC White Eye Pencil, Fascination, was used in the center of the lips as a highlighter.

Here is the look: simplistic, light, and futuristic.


The hair was done by Bumble and Bumble stylists. The look was boyish/girlie, which was a more short cut styled with Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray. The stylists used a hair dryer and their hands to style this look. There is also a slight pouff in the front for a sleek but manageable look.

I also went to the Charlotte Ronson show. Charlotte Ronson is a young hip line that is all the rage with young starlets! Nikki Hilton and Keri Hilson are huge fans! They were in the front row! The clothes were very rock and roll yet feminine and ultra modern. Here are a few pics!

My favorite outfit. Black sleek swimsuit with a hood! Hot!




Here is a video of the show submitted by makeup artist extraordinaire, Victoria Stiles.


Okay Divas. I am running off to the next show. More New York Fashion Week Hotness to come!

Toodles!

Fun Fridays! Cool Events: Deka Athletics 2 Day Lululemon Fitness Event!

I hope you are having a fabulous Friday!

Calling all of my Athletic Divas! Deka Athletics, located in Buckhead, is hosting a two day fitness event on August 28th and 29th. This event will feature Lululemon Athletic gear, a health and fitness expo, representatives from the hottest gyms and athletic clubs in Atlanta, and food from Souper Jenny. Boy do I love Souper Jenny. If you live in Atlanta, it is a must do lunch spot! Yummy! I know my girls Shenia and Dawn should be there! They love working out, eating healthy, and Souper Jenny! LOL!

Deka Athletics is the only retailer in Atlanta selling Lululemon Athletic gear!
What is so special about Lululemon Athletic gear? Well its simply HOT! The workout clothes are so stylish and fashionable, they make you want to get yourself in the gym...or at least walking. (Trying to motivate myself) Anyhoo...check out some of the cool items they sale.





Nice!

Deka Athletics is located at 375 Pharr Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30305. Their phone number is: 404-869-9600.

I hope to see you there!

Toodles!

Recap of Neiman Marcus Fashion Show

Hello Divas!

I hope life is just beautiful in your world! Last Friday I attended the Neiman Marcus Fashion at Lenox Square Mall, Atlanta, GA. The people were fabulous, the models gorgeous, and the clothes from Neiman Marcus beautiful. Of course it did not hurt that they served champagne. Lol! Check out some pics from the show!

1. Me striking a pose


2. Dapper and fashionable Neiman Marcus employee!

3. Turquoise was the color of the evening! So Island Chic!


4. Killer Platforms!

5. There was also Mens' Fashions.


6. Black Latex. Although I think Latex pants are played out, this outfit was really street chic!


This event was so much fun! Plus they gave out awesome goody bags. The bags included a silk Nicole Miller scarf, satin sleep mask (every Diva should have one), Croc hat and wristbands (these items went to luxe hubby and luxe son), and tons of coupons!

I am really looking forward to attending the next Neiman Marcus fashion show!

Toodles!