Capes...Not Just for Superheroes

I hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving, and even better Black Friday shopping spree! I was out early on King St. in Charleston checking out all the hot trends for Winter and the upcoming holidays. And the one trend that stood out the most: Capes. Now I know what you may be thinking; upon googling "capes," I got all sorts of images of wizards, superheroes, and Elizabethan-style sword fighting straight out of medieval times. And if that's your thing, I say go for it! But what I have in mind is a much more elegant way to dress up any outfit.

Gap Poncho Sweater, $79.50

Nordstrom, $53.90

From runways to retail, capes have hit the scene in a big way. And while adding one to your wardrobe is a must, it's also important to know how to wear them and what works best for your body type. If you're shorter, go for a cropped cape that hits right at the waist. If you're pear-shaped, pick a more flowing option and add a belt around the waist to accentuate those curves! And variation in the length isn't the only new trend in capes; designers have added different fabrics into the mix, as well as detailing like faux fur trim, ruffled necklines, and button details that mirror the military influence seen in jackets this season. Pair a wool cape with skinny jeans, boots, and fingerless gloves for a cute and casual look, or dress it up  with a sequined capelet, silk blouse, and mini skirt for a night out! And while Marc Jacobs, Zac Posen, and Tory Burch are just a few of the high-end designers to choose from, check out the page (and the web) for other more affordable, and just as stylish, options!

The Loft, $128

Zara, $89.90

H&M, $39.90

Bonafide Packing Guide

Packing Guide

For those of you who know me, you know I tend to let my OCD get the best of me at times, and packing is no exception! I feel like I'm always on the go, whether it's a quick trip for work or a weekend away, and I absolutely hate to overpack. And with baggage fees being ridiculously high, I've had to figure out ways to get everything I need into only one bag, which is not an easy feat considering my love for shoes...

With that being said, I had my dear friend, Ms. Laura Hansen, (who just happens to be awesomely bada$$ at graphic design) take a boring excel template I had been using to list all my packing needs and create something actually usable. I wanted to be able to list outfits and essentials for day wear and nights out so that I could plan for each occasion on my trips and have exactly what I needed. It's pretty self explanatory and I hope you all get some use out of it! Click the link (under the picture) and print yourself a packing guide for all your upcoming holiday travel. I guarantee it will make packing a cinch!

Fall For Fur - Faux , of course!

Warm and fuzzy this winter means fur everything! From vests and jackets, to collars, gloves, and hats, the furry touch adds a luxe look to any outfit. And with the growing efforts of anti-fur campaigns, not only is faux fur bigger than ever, it's also a much more affordable (and animal-friendly!) option. I haven't come across a retailer yet that isn't carrying some element of fur in the line, and with so many options to choose from, there's no excuse not to be fully draped in fur! To get the look: pair a low-key outfit with a bold fur piece, like a jacket or vest, to vamp up your style. Whether you're running to the store, or out for a girls' night, fur has become a staple item for the wardrobe, to be worn for any occasion.
 
Not entirely sure you can pull off the look? Go for an item that's trimmed in fur, or add just a touch with a hat or gloves. Gap has a great cable-knit beanie with a faux fur pom pom that is too cute to pass up. Warm your frost-bitten hands with fur-trimmed gloves from the Loft or Mango. If you're like me and own way too many scarves, switch it up and add a fun fur neck warmer. Whatever your style, make sure you add a little something furry this season. And don't forget...save animals (and some $dough$) by buying faux!

Stay Tuned...

Check back Monday for my 'Fall for Fur' post!

Time's running out to save 30%!!

I can't say enough great things about The Loft right now! Whoever they hired as their merchandiser has done a spectacular job of pairing pieces and combining style elements to create classic and romantic looks for your wardrobe. I literally want every item in their 'Looks We Love.' Everything is on trend, from the fur-trimmed vests to the riding boots, capes, and over-the-top sparkle accessories. Whatever you do, do not forget to hit me up for the 'friends and family' 30% off coupon before you make your way to the store!

Google Fashion?

Boutiques.com

Good morning, followers! While scanning the fashion and style section of the Times this morning, I noticed that today marked the launch of Google's new fashion site, Boutiques.com, a website made up of virtual boutiques all merchandised to fit thousands of styles. You can choose by designer, celebrity, retailer, style genre, or create your own boutique, which I of course immediately did!

The 'create your own boutique' application takes you through a series of pictures of clothing, shoes, magazines, and even cocktail drinks, which you select based on your style preferences. It analyzes your individual style, compiling your selections to give your overall look, plus elements of other style genres that may also fit. I created my own (three times, just to make sure I stayed consistent!) and my style categories came up as a mix of Boho, Casual Chic, and Romantic, which I found to be right on the money!

Once you've set your preferences, you have the ability to select silhouettes, colors, and patterns you love (and hate), to be saved to your account for all your future shopping. It takes you through several more style analyzers, and the more you narrow down your likes and dislikes, the more helpful the site will be in selecting items you will love! If you don't want to create your own boutique, you can shift through the myriad of celebrities and 'follow' the styles you like! The end result: a huge clothing, shoe, and accessories selection to fit your style and fill your closet!

Stocking Stuffer - 'The Haute Box'

Birch Box

In the search for my Winter Must-Haves blog, I came across a site too good not to share! It's called Birch Box, and it has to be the greatest gift idea. Here's the premise: for just $10 a month, you receive a 'birch box' filled with make up samples from the best of the best brands. They collaborated with NARS, Benefit, Kiehl's, Too Faced, and so many more, to allow you to try all sorts of products without having to buy them first! If you do like an item from the box, you can easily go on the website and order the full-size version. They also give helpful make up tips and feature on-trend products. Gift it to a friend or treat yourself!

 

Friends and Family Savings Coupon...

Calling all my Ann Taylor and Loft shoppers!!

I just received a 'friends and family' coupon for 30% off now thru November 21st! Email me at mklhotsky@gmail.com if you want me to forward it on! I'm eying this little number for a barn party wedding this weekend. I'm thinking it will look just perfect with my cowboy boots! Be sure to check out all their holiday items for all of your upcoming festive events.

 

I wanna know where the gold at...

Monaco, $64.00

One thing's for sure...it's not in my bank account. But where better to spend my money than on some new bling! I was recently helping my brother pick out a necklace for a girl he's seeing, and I realized it had been years since I last bought anything new. Thankfully, I have a boyfriend who has kept me bedazzled, but a girl can never have too much jewelry, and I'm in serious need of some new earrings for fall...and maybe a few bangles...there's also a necklace I've been eyeing...(stay focused, Mariana...)

I have two favorite designers that are my go-to's for all things sparkle and glam. Moon & Lola is a great website to check out, and the artist just happens to be from the great state of North Carolina. I have my eye on the Monaco and Rambaugh earrings, both great for everyday wear, and nights out. Plus, both have that Native American-tribal-art look that's trending in jewelry.

Teency Texas, $60.00

When I'm feeling like being more hands-on and want to try my hand at designing my own pieces, I head over to Sonya Renee's website. She gives you the ability to pick your own chains, gems, initialed coins, and more. If you don't trust yourself making something stylish, don't worry! She has plenty of hand-crafted pieces already made that you can choose from. Now that I live in the Lone Star state, I'm thinking I need the "Teency Texas" around my neck. And Sonya Renee is from the Big D, and I am all about supporting the local artists! Be sure to check out both websites for your new Fall glitz!

Other great sites to check out include:
www.bijuju.com
www.handpicked.net