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! My Grownup Wishlist- from Assouline to Zara

I have to honestly say that the second part of this year really caught me for a surprise. I have not been shopping as much. Life happened fast and I became temporarily distracted, for the better though. I still love pretty things, I love creating new looks, and I did miss you guys, but I needed a break from the shopping and the temptation of shopping. After haven taken a nice hiatus from weekly visits to TJMaxx and daily perusals of Modcloth, I think I found my happy medium, and of course just in time to make my Christmas list. This is what I want:

1. The Assouline Coca Cola book, priced at $ 65.00 which is also carried in a much more expensive 250 page  special edition  for the mere cost of  $650.00. As an Atlanta native I love all things Alantan, and Assouline offers a wide array of show-worthy coffee table books. There are a ton of Assouline books that I want to my collection but the Coca Cola is first priority.   

  

2. Michael Kors Goldtone short chunky necklace- I was watching an old episode of  "A Different World" and I saw Whitley Gilbert, the quintessential Southern Belle in her cream pants and turtle neck with a gold chain link necklace. Then I saw pictures of my husband’s aunt in her fur and gold link chain. It made me nostalgic for 80’s luxe and the whole Dynasty era. A bold chain link can take a basic outfit far, and it is a classic look that will last a lifetime. There will never be a need for you to put it away, sell it, or give it away; should you feel the need to give one away, I am a happy taker. The Michael Kors Goldtone Short Chunky Necklace is $175.00, at Saks Fifth Avenue.

3.  The Callapod Charger.-   I abhor clutter and love anything that is multi-functional. When I travel, I pack a million adapters. On my last trip to New York, I left my iPhone charger (I hate leaving stuff ).  The Callapod charger would eliminate the multitude of cords that are housed in my carry-on. This one device can charge my nook, iphone, ipod (I know, crazy, right? Why not just put my music on my phone? Don't ask.) and camera. The Callpod Chargepod Bundle Pack has 6 Adapters which means you can charge up to 6 devices at one time. The Callapod Charger is $19.99 at Amazon.

4. Chantilly romper-  Realistically, I cannot wear this hot lace number at the moment, but that is why it is called a wishlist,  right?  My wishes are that: 1. I will get this dainty romper and; 2. I will be able to buy it in  my normal size. BHLDN never disappoints with their underpinnings, and this retro lace look is great for bedtime. The Chantilly romper is $290.00 at BHLDN.

5. Zara plait shopper- I've had my eyes on this bag since this summer, and the longing has not waned one bit. The plaited shopper is 100 percent buffalo leather and comes in blue and tan. It even has a felt cousin. All shoppers measure 12 x 17 x 9 inches and offer plenty of depth. You can find it at Zara for $159.00.

Until Christmas,

Chamele

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! 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?

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

Postcard from Paris: J.B.Guanti

A couple of years ago, my "new thing" was fashionable colored leather gloves. No need for winter to be dreary. I bought several pairs in orange, red and cream from TJMaxx.  While walking through St. Germain-des-Pres, I ran across an Italian leather shop, J.B.Guanti. According to style authors, Helen Frith-Powell and Ines de La Fressange, the French love their Italian leather (as do we Americans) and correct they were in that assertion. There is an entire store dedicated to leather gloves. The window display of J.B.Guanti  looked  like a candy store to me-  leather driving gloves, fashionable fingerless gloves and elbow length gloves in every color of the rainbow. I have been on the hunt for more funky colored fingerless leather gloves and here they were in every color of the natural color spectrum. Unfortunately, I never made it to store while it was open (sniff, sniff). If you are looking for a cool pair of fingerless, try the Leisurely Drive Glovettes at Modcloth.

Homage To My Favorite Pacyderm: Modcloth Trunk-a-delic tee From Kersh

Hello Divas!

Chamele is back from Paris! Chamele and her hubby spent ten days in the City of Lights and she will write a series of post of all things Paris in the coming week.  I can't wait!

I found the most adorable graphic  tank at Modcloth,  the Trunk-a-delic. It was a racer-back tank with a funky print of my favorite pachyderm,  an elephant. I - as are you- am not really sure what other animals fall in that category. Hippopotamuses, maybe?  The tank immediately sold out and I was waiting for the restock. It never happened. Gasp! The early bird certainly catches the worm.  I lucked out though.  I contacted the brand in search of a local retailer, and I received an immediate response that there were still a few left. Within two days I had my hands on  one very cool tank.

 

Kersh is a Canadian brand that claims a "west coast," vibe. I recently wore the tank with white skinny jeans and red Matiko flat  sandals, while romping around on the East Coast, in New York. The tank received rave reviews. Everyone wanted to know where I had purchased it, and I was more than happy to share,  Kersh. I cannot wait to see what Fall has in store.

 

FYI: the family pachydermata is actually a large but mostly "obsolete" one which includes: pigs, hippos, and mammoths and a bunch of random  animals that I have never heard of  until now.  

Until next time,

Chamele

My Paris Packing List : Lotta flat, Matt and Nat Plush Ritual and Fun Spring Dresses from Modcloth

 leave for Paris is less than one month! Gosh times flies. This trip has been on the back burner for a couple of years now, and I finally get to go. I have been trying to decide how to pack. At first we were supposed to go during Easter, which would have been a much cooler trip than the mid May trip for which we are now scheduled. I do not know how to pack because I am trying to make sure I have enough room to bring back some goodies. There are a couple of things though, that I believe are necessary: a pair of cool flat shoes, spring dresses, and a cross body bag with a long strap.  

 

I told you about  the new Leifsdottir  line of shoes that debuted two months ago.  The four pairs I mentioned are all on my wish list which includes, the Lotta Flat, the Brazilian made buttery ballet flat with a flirty ankle strap. The Lotta Flat contains a zipper in the back of the shoe. The Lotta Flats are $248.00 at Leifsdottir.

 

There is one spring dress in particular that I think is so Parisian. The All Along the Lines Dress is a strapless mini, multi-tiered cream dress with blue, red and pink stripes. It contains a sash and a cut fold over seam that folds down against the bodice. It is 100% viscose with a polyester lining. If only the Lotta Flat came in red...The All Along the Lines Dress is $47.99 at Modcloth.

 

The cross body bag of which I am in search needs to have depth and width so I can stash some souvenirs while I am tramping through St. Germain-des-Pres. The bag should be something kind of sexy and not too practical, but nothing to big and audacious that might signal tourist. I found the Matt and Nat Plush Ritual. It is marketed to carry personal laptops, so you can imagine how deep and wide it is. The bag is  16 inches wide, 3 inches deep, and 12 inches high with an adjustable cross-body strap that is 18.5 inches long.  The bag has a recycled interior lining and is constructed from vegan faux leather. The Matt and Nat Plush Ritual is now on sale for $180.00 at Zappos.

 

Until Paris,

 

 

Chamele

My Mom: The Style Icon

Mother's Day is just around the corner. For two years now I have planned on purchasing my mother a mixbook with my favorite photos of her and a line or two thanking her for the multitude of contributions she has made to my life. With less than a week to go we will have to keep our fingers crossed on the delivery. 

Another idea for a cool book is the "My Mom:The Style Icon." If you, like me, have fabulous mother and maybe one who enjoys coffee table books then you should consider purchasing the book created by writers of the blog with the same name. "My Mom: the Style Icon" is now featured in Lucky Magazine as a regular feature on the last page of the magazine. Each entry is a short blurb of how the writer's mother helped define style. The magazine editors recreate the stylish mother's look with current, similar pieces. You can find "My Mom: The Style Icon" at Modcloth for $18.99.

Until tomorrow,

Chamele

Modcloth's Brush With the Wild Skirt!

You know I had been fawning over the Panther's Play dress at Anthropologie, a strapless corset dress with an amalgam of prints. I found a cute alternative to the $348 work of art.  Modcloth is now carrying the Brush With the Wild Skirt by Mink Pink. The skirt is a fun mix of leopard and tiger prints with colors yellow and gray similar to the Panther's Play. It is all of the luster of the Panther's Play dress at a mere fraction of the cost.  The Panther's Play is  $57.99 at Modcloth.

Hood-ie-Rat: Cute Hoodies at Anthropologie and Modcloth

I have seen a wonderful array of cute hoodies. After Hubby's comment that my gym clothes looked "matronly" (clutch the pearls), I try not to wear generic athletic wear to and fro the gym. I like to wear a sporty hoodie or fitted jacket. Anthropologie's Superfluous Bellows Hoodie is a cute take on the hoodie trend and is multi-faceted. It fits the bill for inspriing gym wear or simple weekend casual. The Superfluous Bellows Hoodie has gorgeous pleats lining the hem of the cotton blend and ruching throughout.  The Pure and Good creation is machine wash and zips up. You can find it at Anthropologie for $68.00.

 

The Hoodie Gumdrops Jacket  is another fantastic option. It is far dressier than the Superfulous Bellows Hoodie, and one that I would  save for a Friday night at the movies rather than soiling it with sweat. The black hoodie has a felted interior - just yummy for those breezy mornings-  with brass buttons and a drawstring hood. The  princess seams accent wait the waist and bust line giving the hoodie a dressy feel.  You can find the Hoodie Gumdrops Jacket at Modcloth for $44.99.  

 

Until tomorrow,

 

Chamele

Fawning Behavior at Modcloth

Fawn-

1 : to show affection —used especially of a dog

2: to court favor by a cringing or flattering manner *

Modcloth has named this buttery camel color hobo style/ cross body bag Fawned Over You, mainly because the bag is made by creative designers at Gentle Fawn. But I think the bag is appropriately deemed Fawned Over You because once you see it , you will fawn over it as I did.  Animal lovers will be happy to hear that the purse is 100% polyurethane. The bag is 15 inches  long and 14 inches wide. The purse also contains two exterior  pockets with zipper closures and two interior pockets, one with zipper closure.  The adjustable strap is detachable and measures 27 inches long. I quietly mentioned that I might give up shopping for Lent and my husband loudly reminded me of what I said. So I bought the bag on Mardi Gras and held steadfast  to my word.   You can fine the Fawned Over You at Modcloth for $ 79.99.

Until tomorrow,

Chamele

 *Merriam Webster Dictionary.  http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fawn

40 Days of Sacrifice: Re-Invent Yourself!

I have tried many times to refrain from shopping. Last year, I said I would try for a full 365 days to refrain from shopping. I lasted three days. I decided this year that I would give up shopping for myself (notice the operative words here are “for myself”) during Lent.  I mean, if I cannot do it for God, then ...  well, I guess, that is a problem between me and God. I was thinking what I will do to keep me “fasting.”   I know a complete “wilderness experience” might include me not even tempting myself with trips to TJMaxx or looking online at Modcloth, but I simply will not go 40 days without stepping foot in TJMaxx, and it is unrealistic for me to not look at my online favorites.  Plus, the real lesson in sacrificing is giving something up when it is in your face.  I decided that every day for 40 days I could do something different with my wardrobe or with my person so that I look better in what I already have. So here are the first ten things or forty things that both I and you (should you choose to join me) can do for the next 40 days:

1.      Tighten it up! or in my case, untighten- Instead of wearing tights with my dresses, I am going back to stockings. It sounds boring when there are so many trendy tights, but I wore a pair of flesh tone stockings and darn near did not recognize myself. If you generally wear stockings, try a fun printed tight instead. The point is to switch it up.

2.      Get lifted- I am sure John Legend wasn’t thinking get fitted for a bra when he made that song. I went for a fitting and found out that I was wearing the wrong cup size.  It is amazing how new your clothes look when you are wearing the proper undergarments. Because the goal is to not shop, I must wait until the 40 days is over to purchase any new bras, for now I may try slightly tightening the straps on the bras I do own.

3.      Dye hard-  I am thinking of getting rid of a velvet gray jacket I rarely wear, but I was thinking that if I remove the current color and re-dye with the Rit dye Scarlet, it will look so funky. Find one item you are about to get rid of because you are tired of looking at it, make a trip to the grocery store,  buy a popping color and go to town. Make sure to get a color that will show i.e. if your item is red, then yellow likely may not show, go darker or buy a color remover.

4.      Hemming and hawing- Don’t go hemming and hawing over what you don’t have. Adjust a hemline up or embellish a hemline by tacking lace or tulle to the hem.

5.      Good cause- The Lenten season is based in sacrifice. Show your charitable side and clothing you haven’t worn in a year or more. I try to donate three to four times per year. There is no better time to do some closet cleaning than Spring.

6.      Button it! – Take an older item an update it with new buttons. I had an old red suit with black cloth buttons. I took the buttons off and put on shiny gold ones and my suit was as good new.

7.      Collar-less- A good coat is a good coat. No need to sacrifice a blazer or coat because it looks dated. Sometimes simple adjustments can make an old item look brand new. The coat I referred to above also had a black cloth collar and black sleeves. I opened the seams and took off the black cloth collar leaving the coat collarless.

8.      Frame- maybe you think you need a new wardrobe when what you really need is a face, a completely different look.  It could be time for a new haircut. If you don’t want to do anything drastic  try some light layers around your face.

9.      Create layers- I am a huge fan of shirtdresses. A great way to wear them is to slip a thin knit or slip dress on and wear the shirtdress atop the slip dress. Top both with a skinny belt.

10.   Deliberate “tackiness”- Try breaking a fashion rule you once adhered to. I know you were told that black and brown do not go together, but I love to wear black skinny jeans with a black tee and then wear my cognac colored Frye boots and carry my cognac colored Cole Haan purse.  Another one to try is to wear white before Easter. Shocking! I know. Many celebrities have made this trend not so daunting by pairing white dresses with black accessories- shoes, tights, belts, and swanky clutch purses.

Until tomorrow,

Chamele