Why You Over There Lookin' At Me?!

People often don't realize the power of words. But I take it to heart and I don't just mean the negative impact that the wrong words can have. I think most of us recognize that.

I'm the kind of girl that if I find myself admiring your haircut, outfit, handbag, face or just something about your general person...I'm going to tell you! With a smile, of course. I think it's important, because you never know how a couple little words and a smile could be an unexpected surprise in someone else's day.

A few mornings ago I was in Starbucks grabbing an Everything with Cheese Bagel (yummmm) and I noticed this effortlessly chic woman in line. As I left, I took a couple moments to tell her as much and wish her a good day. In return she was warm and receptive, and extremely polite.

I do wish I had been brave enough to ask to take a personal style picture of her, but I was too nervous to do that (maybe if I'd caught her on the sidewalk).

Just the same, I was inspired to recreate her chic look...everything about it was amazingly simple - clear oversized aviators, cargo jumpsuit cuffed at ankles and elbows, and a pair of nude mules with a chunky heel. I believe her jewelry was equally simplistic, like a pair of large, slim hoops in her ears.
It all just worked!

ASOS black jump suit
 Relic faux handbag
Seychelles Peep-Toe Mule from Texas by Root — Shoptiques
vintage 1980's NOS eyeglasses oversized by RecycleBuyVintage

I'm curious how you ladies feel about complimenting strangers, are you more likely to admire from afar or drop a few kind words in the direction of another? (There are no wrong answers!)

Pretty on Parade

Here in the northeast (and even the south!) we're getting crushed by blustery winds and bitter cold temps, but don't let your look match your mood (seasonal depression, anyone??) There's no need to tuck away your perky brights and shroud yourself  in blacks and grays! Transitioning your bright and patterned pieces into the colder seasons can be a mood lifter.

Here's my tips on getting the job done in three easy steps: 

 

1.  Start your base with a vibrantly patterned piece, like this lovely frock by ModCloth. A great way to take this dress, which is great for summer strolls on the boardwalk, into brisker temps is by grounding the look with other pieces that have a more substantial feel. Top off your base item with a heavier knit pullover, which will allow your dress to work as more of a skirt (a two-for-one deal!).

2.  Then add in your winter friendly favorites like opaque tights, ankle booties and chunky belts. Work with pieces that are color complimentary to tones found in your dress, especially if it's printed. As you see here, sage tights are a welcome change from basic black and brown, yet work as a neutral that doesn't compete with the print. And the buckle detail on the boots lends a more contemporary feel when paired with this wonderfully retro design. Using a belt allows you to define your shape through your layers, by cinching in your waistline, while also adding some visual texture to the look.

3.  Complete the look by adding finishing accessories, like a scarf, bag and jewelry. You can pull out colors from your dress and repeat them in these pieces to keep the look cohesive with out being overly matchy. Here, I chose to maintain the whimsical feel of the repeated pattern on the dress and add in circular earrings - that happen to have a nautical theme. I mean, we're all dreaming of summer right!


In the end, you've got a cute and cozy outfit that says the winter blues ain't got a thing on you!


Stay warm, lovelies!!

Fall Fever Wardrobe Haul!

My world has been super busy and I've been a bit under the weather, but I'm feeling better and I'm excited to share the pieces I've purchased for this season with you all! I'm calling it my "fall haul" because I've been collecting various pieces since around August, but just really started pulling them out.

So let's dig in, shall we...

 Look #1 

  Leopard sheath dress - The Limited

Red MK pumps - Dillards (similar)

Black quilted clutch - Dots (old)

Gold collar necklace - Dillards

Nothing's better than a knee length sheath dress to add to your wardrobe, especially one with sleeves! Very versatile because the feel of the dress can be switched up by wearing it under blazers and cardigans, adding tights and boots or simply switching up the heels and jewelry. 

Look #2 

 Faux leather peplum top - Target

Leopard pink skirt - The Limited

 Red MK pumps - Dillards

Black quilted clutch - Dots (old)

Gold collar necklace - Dillards

 

Great quality faux leather piece from Target! Peplum is a sweet style, so making it black leather just gives it some bite! (I would love to see it done it white too...) 

Look #3 

 Animal print top - Forever 21

Hunter green harem pants - Nordstrom Rack

Cognac suede bootie - INC for Macys (old)

Yellow mini satchel - Phillip Lim for Target (sold out)

Gold link necklace - JCPenney (old)



I love wearing stylish pieces that are comfortable, like slouchy tops and sweaters and loose fitting pants. This kind of look can even be dressed up a little more by adding a blazer in a heavier fabric, like tweed, and a chunky scarf.

Look #4 

 Gray faux leather zip top - Forever 21

Black coated skinnies - The Limited

Suede buckle peep toe booties - BCBG (old)

Black quilted clutch - Dots (old)



Coated skinnies offer a nice sleek look, like a cigarette pant, and are more substantial than jeggings, which is perfect for the cooler temps. Short sleeves can be layered over long sleeve tissue tees to add a layer of warmth. A striped print long tee can tone down the "bad girl" feel this look gives off as well.

Look #5 

 Orange top with faux leather - Nordstrom Rack

Black coated pencil skirt - The Limited

Suede buckle peep toe booties - BCBG (old)

Black quilted clutch - Dots (old)

Gold link necklace - JCPenney (old)

 The black coating and shiny leather provide some edge for this look, adding a blazer and tights can make it office friendly.

Look #6



 Faux leather dress - The Limited

Cream boyfriend blazer - Lauren Conrad for Kohls

Red MK pumps - Dillards

Gold clutch - Cosmopolitan for JCPenney

Gold collar necklace - Dillards



Perfect dress for date night or girls night, and the girlish A-line shape can make the leather more office friendly with a blazer, cardigan or turtleneck paired with low key pumps.

Look #7

Satin cobalt top - Mango for JCPenney

Polka dot pencil skirt - The Limited

Lionhead necklace - The Limited (old)

Red MK pumps - Dillards

Gold clutch - Cosmopolitan for JCPenney

Cobalt is one of the on trend colors of the season. A lighter weight satin top is seasonless and adds some texture dimension when layered under heavy knit cocoon cardigans.

Look #8 

  Cream knit sweater - Old Navy

Denim vest - The Limited

Olive harem pants - Forever 21

Gold snakeskin pump - Jessica Simpson

Yellow mini satchel - Phillip Lim for Target (sold out)

Turquoise plate necklace - Dillards

A cream lightweight knit sweater is wonderful for chillier seasons, works great with jeans, skirts or dress pants and adds warmth without bulk. Metallics, like leopard print, work like neutrals, and can be interchanged with everything from dark hues like Bordeaux (I hate the word 'oxblood') and hunter green to your brights like citron and fuchsia.



Although it was totally unintentional, it easy to see the trends I fell in love with this season - namely leather and leopard with a dose of metallic! The weather here has been beautiful and still pretty warm, and I'm excited to start integrating these pieces into my wardrobe.

I also want to take a moment to give a HUGE thank you to my cousin, Kelly, for lending me her photography skills to help me pull this post together! I'm really looking forward to working with you more!

On that note, I hope I've provided you ladies with some inspiration or styling ideas and now I'm off to pack for a work trip!


You divas make it fabulous week!

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I've 'Fall'en for Khalen

Meet Khalen.

Jessica Simpson's Khalen boot became my very best friend last year. I wore them literally all the time. Khalen even had to take a visit to a cobbler for some light touch up work so she could keep on pushing through.

Those who know me (and those who visit this blog often) know that I'm probably tempted to buy a second pair of Khalen's as a back up so when the first pair get laid to rest we can keep right on strutting.

So it's without question that darling Khalen will be my "go to" boot of the season.

Since I'm fighting back the fall season with my undying desire to hold on to warm weather, I just couldn't bear to do a typical outfit post for IFB Project #110: Fall Boots. So, here are three ways I'm planning to rock Khalen when the temperatures plunge into the 40's and 50's.

Urban Cowgirl by the-dazzling-diva featuring high heel shoes

Fresh for Fall by the-dazzling-diva featuring a gold necklace

Khalen is chic enough to wear to work and out for play...

Capetown by the-dazzling-diva featuring a gold multi chain necklace

So even though I'm nowhere near ready for cooler weather, just between me and you, after doing this post I'm more than just a little bit excited for fall fashion.*wink*

The Incomparable Ms. Hill

This week I'm promoting style cues from the amazingly talented songstress and lyricist extraordinaire, Ms. Lauryn Hill. Being that she's been none too fond of the limelight and public appearances in recent years, I consider it to be a special occasion to see her performing at Hot 97's Summer Jam.

By pairing plaid and  horizontal stripes with elegant chiffon palazzo pants it creates a structured, yet feminine look that's ready for a client lunch or a dinner date!


Click the image for more details!

Beverly Johnson Heads to Reality TV

The first black model to be highlighted on the cover of Vogue magazine in 1974, the fabulous Beverly Johnson, is heading to reality TV. With over 500 magazine covers, an acting career, a book and a successful beauty company, the 59-year-old model has partnered with Oprah and will premiere "Beverly's Full House" on the OWN network on March 31st.



So this is in honor of the still striking diva.
Get 'em, Beverly!

Instead of matching Bev's look item for item, I stuck with the premise but decided to take a modern twist on her black and white oxfords.  As a side note, that easy breezy striped shirtdress is currently on sale at Brooks Brothers for $64.75.

Get to Know Neon

I am definitely an eighties baby, but just have an eensy weensy amount of hesitancy about pulling off neon. It seriously makes me think of being eleven with a wrist full of those rubbery bangle bracelets. Loved it then, just not too sure about it some twenty years later.

But it's slowly growing on me and I think it can be fun yet grownup too.

If you're a bit like me and not sure if the neon trend, which is SO hot for spring 2012 is for you. Here are my suggestions on how you can work this look into your wardrobe without detracting from who your are. Fashion is all about expressing yourself, so whether you'd like a little or a lot, here are a few options that you can make your own:

First we have an option for those of you who think this trend is sweet and like lots of it. I think this is a totally wearable look for bright, sunny Saturday's when you're out enjoying the weather.

Next is for those of use who are warming up to the idea, but not ready to dive in head first. It's about taking your standard palette and choosing a neon as an extra pop of color instead of maybe black or white.

And if you're one of those just "a pinch of sugar" kinda girls, you can still rock neon too. Keep your doses small, utilizing accessory space like wrists, waists and necklines.

Whatever your preference, there's a way for you to be on trend and keep neon within your personal style. I plan to give it a try, how 'bout you?

Styled by June

I createdd this look in honor of the beautiful and talented fashion forward stylist to the stars June Ambrose, who's new reality show, Styled by June is airing on VH1. This look is all about colorblocking, brought together with just a few easy pieces and a basic platform pump, it's totally perfect for spring.

H M collarless jacket, £25

J.Crew bright colored pants, $90
Nine West platform shoes, $79
Red clutch handbag, $20
Helene Berman flower hat, £38
Topshop see through shades, $30

The Future's So Bright...

Take a note from Lady B's style book. For an easy date night look at a recent Knicks game with her hubby, Beyonce turned a pair of skinny jeans and basic white tee into something a bit more chic by simply tossing on a blazer in a saturated color and sexy pumps. Keeping baby Blue in mind, she continues to pay homage to her newest joy with polished blue tips.

J Crew elbow length tee, $33
Forever 21 light weight jacket, $28
Black jeans, $22
Luichiny black pumps, $81
Deena Ozzy studded handbag, $39
BLUE CROWN Sundance Square Sunglasses, $9.99
Imperial Blue Nail Polish, $2.80

DD's Style File - Girlie Flair

Sometimes it takes a minute before I jump on a trend, it'll kinda take me a while before I decide whether something can work for me. This time, it was accordion pleat skirts. I happened to snatch one up last minute while at the mall last week. It was on clearance and pink - I figured I could make it work for something. Turns out, I rather love it!

V-Neck sweater - Express
Button up shirt - NY & Co
Belt - The Limited
Skirt - The Limited
Tights - Payless
Pumps - Macy's
Bracelet and earrings - The Limited

It was a welcome change from my normal pencil and swing skirts. I can't wait until the weather warms and I can wear it was strappy sandals and breezy tops.

The Original Diva

Long before my Barbie obsessed days, I fondly recall watching the blonde bombshell, Miss Piggy, and all her ferocious sassiness on the Muppet Show.

A girlie girl with a mean left hook and a glamazon fashionista in every since of the word! After the comeback success of their recent Muppet movie this past fall, I've been pleased as punch to see Miss P gracing the glossy pages of fashion mags W, InStyle and others. She inspired me for today's celeb style book post...a Parisian infused look done in primary colors.

Short cocktail prom dress, £44
Dorothy Perkins black mary jane heels, $57
Lauren Ralph Lauren glass necklace, $44
Pewter jewelry, $75
Leather glove, $48
Black wool beret, $5.95

Cool Hues

Solange Knowles deserves her props as a fashion plate. She takes a trend and makes it her own and it is obvious that she marches to her own beat, and it works! I've come to admire the risks Solange takes and I think she has a great understanding for what really works for her. So, I used her for my celeb style inspired post today.

This outfit shows that just because the weather has cooled (ok, drastically changed), doesn't mean that color can't keep you looking hot. Solange paired pale mixes of sky blue and melon alongside vivid brights like an orange coat and a clutch in a pop of teal to pull this look together.

Miss Selfridge polyester shirt, £28
ASOS single breasted coat, $90
Knee length skirt, $49
Report high heel shoes, $75
Melie Bianco envelope clutch bag, $48
Gogo Philip cuff jewelry, $27
MARC By Marc Jacobs Enamel Huggie Hoops, $48

Inspired by Jane

ABC Family premiered it's new show Jane by Design about four weeks ago. The premise is high school social outcast, Jane, played by Erica Dasher, masquerades as an adult to work in the fashion industry. In my opinion, it has the kitsch of Ugly Betty, a dash of The Devil Wears Prada and a smidge of Sex in the City.

It's not bad, but overall, I'm not yet sure how I feel about the show itself, but I've watched purely for the awesome clothes. After catching up, thanks to a mini OnDemand marathon, I was inspired to recreate a couple of my fav looks from the show.

This first look, though void of any bright color, was actually my fav and one I plan to recreate for myself. Also, it was not on one of the show's main characters, which is why I couldn't get a better image...

Charlotte Russe scoop neck t shirt, $7.99
High waist harem pants, $39
Patent pumps, $47
Braided necklace, $39

There weren't a lot of overall looks on Jane that I loved, though I loved several of the pieces separately. However, this one stood out for me and I feel it could translate easily into real life, depending on your office.

Image courtesy of ABC Family

Striped dress, $43
Navy pocketed blazer, $31
Charlotte Russe bow shoes, $33
Turquoise jewelry, $22
ASOS leather flower belt, $18

All of Jane's actual pieces come from retailers such as Zara TRF and Theory, but for both of my inspired looks I managed to keep all of my pieces priced at under $50.

If you checked out the show and were curious about a specific piece, you may be able to find it listed in the Jane style diaries on the ABC Family site:

Jane Quimby's fashion diary

Gray Chandler Murray's fashion diary

India Jourdain's fashion diary


So are you loving the fashion that this new series has to offer?

Going Green

The color green doesn't just have to make you feel froggy, take a style note from Sanaa Lathan who looked resplendent in a figure flattering Haute Hippie dress at a recent event. With a few remaining dog days of summer, hit the town in gorgeous green paired with a pair of spicy leopard pumps.

Oasis summer evening dress, £30
Zara leopard print shoes, $20
Wire bracelet, $18
Silver earrings, $18
Bare Escentuals bareMinerals 100% Natural Lipgloss, $15

If the real deal is more your speed and perhaps money is no object, you can get Sanaa's actual dress at Nordstrom for a mere $445.

Taming the Wild

Animal prints never seem to go out of style and you find them on runways year after year, especially leopard print. If you acquire the right piece it can last you throughout several seasons, and as the weather changes a few simple tweaks can help you transition it easily. A great way to start would be with a skirt. Depending on the style it can be dressed up for work or a night out and dressed down for more casual outings.


Sienna Miller



Khloe Kardashian

Miranda Kerr

Leopard print works as both a great neutral base and obviously a print. To tame the sexiness of the print, you can tone it down with other neutrals like white, ivory, black or brown. But leopard also plays well with brights like orange, turquoise and red in particular. Depending on the length of the skirt, shoe height can be left up to you, though it will always look great with pumps and heeled boots in cooler months.

Most office friendly styles would be a pencil or a fuller A-line skirt and if you need to keep the attention to a minimum, go with the uber chic and classic styling of a white button up shirt, a red belt and modest black or nude pumps. 

Here are a few other styling inspirations that I hope will inspire you:

The Cat's Meow by The Dazzling Diva

Miss Selfridge black jacket, £30
Minuet petite, £19
Zara heel pumps, $50
Miss Selfridge body bag, £25
Stackable jewelry, $28
Bee Charming disc jewelry, $44
Loren Hope vintage look jewelry, $88
Blu Bijoux black jewelry, $18
GUESS black and white sunglasses, $50
Switchblade Stiletto Leopard Waist Belt Pencil Skirt on eBay!

Here Kitty, Kitty by The Dazzling Diva

Cotton cardigan, £18
Tusnelda Bloch wrap shirt, €30
River Island brown skirt, £30
Deva peep toe shoes, $79
Nica tan handbag, £28
Disney couture jewelry, $31
Dorothy Perkins metal earrings, £5

Catcalls by The Dazzling Diva

Missoni lightweight sweater, $96
Wet seal, $19
Dorothy Perkins t strap sandals, £16
Steven by Steve Madden tote handbag, $98
French Connection multi strand necklace, $41
BCBGeneration hardware jewelry, $18
Braided bracelet, £6
Oasis chocolate sunglasses, £13

Happy Shopping!

leopard skirt

Fashionable Couples

Ok, so it might sound a bit cheesy to some, but I think that couples who are styled in a semi-coordinating way while out and about is really cute and uber stylish. Now, I'm not talking overt homecoming/prom matchy matchy, but complimentary looks or colors that keep things a bit cohesive. You can start by choosing your look depending on where you're headed, like to a party or on a date, then pull traces of your decided look into both you and your man's outfits. 

For example, if you go for a large print on your dress find a smaller variation of that print for him to use as an under layer piece. If you have a daring guy who is fashion forward, let his piece be the eye catcher, like a summer blazer in an unconventional shade. You can then intermingle that shade or a complimentary tone into your outfit, through accessories like a scarf or shoes. Of course you don't always have to go with the same print or exact colors, but try sticking within the same color family whether it's striking black and white, neutrals, or pastels.

Here are some of my fav celeb couple who make this type of look really work:

Victoria and David

Beckham

Will and Jada Pinkett-

Smith

Of course this way of dressing you and your man can be an objective for big nights out on the town, but it can also be for a simple day of shopping and lunch. Just be careful to stay true to your guy's personal style preferences and don't try to throw him in Gucci if he's an Urban Outfitters kinda guy, know what I mean!

I've also put together a few ideas to use for points of reference. This is not to say when you go out to walk the dog, you have to look like bookends, but it's an easy and fashionable way to bring you closer when spending quality time together.

Sweets with My Sweetie by The Dazzling Diva

Romper, $39
Kenneth Cole Reaction buckle shoes, $44
Canvas handbag, $38
Beading necklace, $22
Marc by marc jacobs jewelry, $48
Antique belt, $47
Core L/s Cardigan, $40
Men's Shorts: Men's Cargo Shorts, Men's Plaid Shorts, Men's Khaki...
T-Shirt - Hand Drawn Stripe T-Shirt, £95
Brown fabric toe flip flops, £25

Beach Brunch with My Boo by The Dazzling Diva

White strappy sandals, £15
Roxy straw beach tote, £20
Guess earrings, $15
Swarovski heart pendant necklace, $35
Hello Kitty glass shades, $13
G by Guess aviator sunglasses, $29
Old Navy Mens Striped Oxford Shirt, $17
Save Khaki Cutoff Chino Shorts, $95
QUIKSILVER Stripe tank, £23
Converse 'Jack Purcell' Boat Shoe, $40
Bonfire Beach Blanket - Roxy, $40
Vero Moda SAMBA - Kleid - gentle red/optical white - Zalando.de, €22

A Night Under the Stars by The Dazzling Diva

Jumpsuits and romper, £30
Platform heel shoes, $30
Woven handbag, $28
Rachel chain jewelry, $22
TopShop leaf jewelry, $15
American Vintage brown belt, €30
Marc by Marc Jacobs gradient sunglasses, $98
Chain belt, £10
Mens Soul Cal Short Sleeved Grandad T-Shirt, £5.99
Old Navy Mens Linen-Blend Blazers, $35
Firetrap Straight fit regular jeans, £60
Mercanti Fiorentini Men's Floater Driving Moccasin, $70

Can Your Wear Zig Zags?

Zig zag print is a favorite of Charlie Brown and is even found on high end designer fabrics from fashion powerhouses like Missoni, but is zig zag print really wearable??

Bolder than stripes and even "busier" than your average zebra print, zig zag prints are not for the shy. Most often you find this hypnotic print done in black and white combinations, but it can be found in a variety of color combos and may actually be easier to wear in more neutral hues.

Jennifer Hudson

Jessica Alba

Sienna Miller

Try your hand at zig zags by trying a tank in a tunic length, which works great with leggings. When done in a in a smaller pattern it makes the print more interesting and less overwhelming. When matched with a soft hue and fabric, zig zags can be totally wearable for daytime looks.

Plus Tops by Forever 21
Shortsleeve Tops by Forever 21

To test the zig zag waters, so to speak, try accessories like colorful print scarves or bold jewelry. This will give you the chance to use the eye catching print without it taking all the attention.

For girls who really wanna go for the bold, try accessorizing a central piece like a zig zag print dress with other geometric accessories in circular shapes, which gives the look more of a complimentary appeal. If you grabbed other sharp edged or triangular shaped jewelry, for example,  it would look too matchy matchy against the print of the dress or top. Save shinier or metallic prints for evening wear, as these fabrics take the boldness factor of the print up a notch even further.

Zig Zags 'n Circles by The Dazzling Diva

Zig zag dress, £20
Vince Camuto peeptoe shoes, $64
Kenneth Jay Lane wood bangle, €35
Armani Exchange wood jewelry, $38
Forever21 wood jewelry, $5.80
Soho Hearts circle jewelry, €35
Calico Juno Designs gold jewelry, $169
Mossimo Supply Co. Canvas Crossbody - Brown : Target, $25
MCCRUM, $8