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Jewelry

nice to meet you: black-owned jewelry brand

  Black-owned jewelry brand, Omi Woods Of Jamaican-Ashanti-Maroon heritage, Ashley Alexis McFarlane Omi means ‘water’ in the Yoruba language The word Jamaica derives from the indigenous Taino word ‘Xaymaca’, meaning ‘land of wood and water Check her out on Instagram!

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Jewelry

nice to meet you: black-owned jewelry brand

Black-owned jewelry brand, Mateo Jamaican-born Matthew Harris Launched the brand in 2009 – started with a men’s collection before venturing into women’s jewelry! CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist in 2017 It’s sleek and sophisticated wearable art! Pieces are mostly made from 14kt gold

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Bottoms

cargo pants for all!

Cargo pants are making a comeback and who doesn’t love lots of pockets! These ones I just scooped from Shopbop are by Robert Rodriguez and even if they’re not available, here are a few more options to consider…. They work nicely with heels for a dinner out or even on Saturday with some flats. Either way, it’s an elevated chic alternative to denim!

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Accessories

Summer Denim

Denim is a basic – and that’s an understatement. Denim is an essential so when you think about summer, you’ve gotta think about what pieces you’ll carry over into the warm weather and what else to add to the collection. BOOM! These denim sandals…. I imagine these with any white denim… Ready. Set. Summer!

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Bottoms

9 things I’m in love with for spring

You know I’m not into #selfies or taking pics of myself but I can still share some fabulous pieces! Over the next few days, I’ll share my nine favorite items…. [show_lookbook_widget id=”388328″] Today is ALL about the new perfect tee….! Doing a few Wizards games and Kennedy Center concerts [love Common!], my standard uniform is a pair of jeans or cool camo pants + a t-shirt + a layering jacket = it’s comfortable but appropriate! So the hunt for a perfect

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Features & Series

TOP 2017 Fashion Trends: ruffles, BOWTIES, ruching, asymmetry

We see these trends everywhere right now: ruffles, ruching, asymmetrical hemlines and bowties! And as much as I hate being a ‘slave to the trends‘, I’m in love with ALL of them. This post shares the know-how on bowties, where to find them, how to wear them, and what to avoid. The key to bowties is not to go overboard because it can make you look like little bo peep….instead focus on the smallest part of your body (or wrists/arms)!

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Style

Spring Must-Haves!

My seven favorite spring items to check out….. [show_lookbook_widget id=”270187″]   For the fellas, you have seven awesome pieces to consider! [show_lookbook_widget id=”270179″]

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Accessories

Five Ways To Use A Scarf

I love scarves but only recently have I gotten into silk scarves – much daintier, more daytime wearable, and more flexible in terms of ways to wear it. Here are five ways I’m going to rock my new silk scarves — with look #4 being my favorite! Which way is your favorite? I found a few great silk scarves to get you started too….. [show_shopthepost_widget id=”1351804″] {note: this was ripped straight from my favorite online shopping site, Shopbop!}

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Footwear

Work Pumps: Anything But Ordinary #ElevatedEssentials

[show_lookbook_widget id=”240942″] Work pumps don’t have to be boring. In fact, work pumps should signal you mean business and, in spite of your ability to ‘blend in’, you’ve got the goods to stand out…literally! Think sexy sophisticate. Think power professional. Think business bombshell. Think digital diva. Think savvy shogun. These are the shoes that can go with you from everyday meeting to girlfriend meetup at the Ritz to dinner at Rose’s Kitchen to date night at Mastro’s. Put them on

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Accessories

Spring Must Haves: Satchels

This can be a tricky thing because the average “working girl” today uses one bag and that bag has to work as her tote and handbag….for the entire week. While I don’t advocate it, if you’re looking for dual functionality then a satchel is the way to go: enough to carry your essentials, a small clutch [that doubles as an after-work bag], an ipad, a magazine, and perhaps a shoe bag with flip flops. My second and equally as important

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Stores & Sites to See

How Much Should I Spend on Clothes?

Have you ever had a more loaded question?! But the answer is apparently pretty simple…. Accordingly to financial planner Peter Dunn, 5% of your monthly budget should be allocated to clothing. BOOM! Done! Seriously, the translation on that is If your salary is under $30K then Zara, Mango and ASOS If you’re around $75K then Outnet, Nordstrom and Madewell For those $100K and over then Shopbop, Anthropologie, and go brand-specific As a wardrobe stylist, this may be a difficult number

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Dresses & Outfits

Shopbop Sale & Spring Style

The taste of spring got me started and now this Shopbop spring sale has the good times rollin’…it’s 25% off with code SPRING25 and I’m focused on pieces that can go allll day. Fell in love with this flare dress…(with some heels and a blazer if it’s still chilly)

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one-piece-jumpsuit-outfits
Dresses & Outfits

One Wish for Valentine’s Day: Jumpsuit

Ok it’s a bit of a lie since I have several “wishes” for Valentine’s Day but if I had just one wish for St. Valentine’s Day, it would be to have a navy blue jumpsuit. Take a peek at my 2014 goals and resolutions if you must but this is perfectly aligned with my 2014 strategy. This sateen, wide-leg jumpsuit from ONE by COREY is ideal for dressing up for dinner dates, an evening at the museum, or doing an

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Accessories

Perfect Date Night Shoe

This shoe, available at Shopbop, is a Celine-inspired beaut! The colors make it as gorgeous with darks as with lighter neutrals. And the metallic ankle-strap is the finishing touch. Dare I say we’ve got the perfect date night shoe? It’s Friday night…!

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Bottoms

A “Real” Runway, Role Model Mom?

I’m not a mom. I have no children to speak of (other than my shoes and handbags). I do, however, have a deep appreciation for the ‘working mom‘ and spend many hours outfitting them. They want comfort. They want fabrics that move and that you can spot clean. They want versatility. And then they want what seems slightly more elusive: a bit of sexiness; femininity, a little bit of edge, and to wake up and roll out looking perky and

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Stores & Sites to See

Erin & (Shop)Bop

Erin Crandall took a part time job at a boutique in Madison, Wisconsin called Bop.  By her senior year, she was a salaried employee, fearing she would miss graduation because she was in Paris on a buying trip. Bop morphed into its current namesake, ShopBop.com, while she was there and once she left to travel as the site’s head buyer, she settled in New York. Since then, she has gotten married, parted with Shopbop and opened her NYC clothing store and its recently launched e-commerce site, A

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Shopbop Spring Looks

I’ve always dug Shopbop and wanted to share some great looks they created that work….for moving from day to dinner, work to weekend, and in between. They’re giving me a few ideals (style note: look for how often items are repeated but for completely different outfits!)

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Outerwear

Drop Bigger Bucks For Bigger Versatility

As trench coats go, this is right in the high middle at $570 but we know lots of great options can be found for less. However, what makes us give this one special consideration: It’s a three-in-one coat/vest/capelet The wheat/tan color make it reliably neutral The contrast between the capelet and the cotton jacket create more interest than your average trench It has lots of little design details like flap hip pockets Did we mention this becomes your go-to travel

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Top Two Trends To Invest In: Double-Breasted Blazer

At Blueprint for Style, we’re less concerned about creating a style trend than being true to our own personal style whether that’s shabby chic, uptown haute, effortless chic, bohemian, classic, etc.  A top trend that will work for just about 90% of ladies is the double-breasted blazer (FYI – this is a spring trend for men as well)! A double-breasted blazer will create finish to jeans or leggings; is great to create a touch of professionalism to a shorter skirt; and can work wonders

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Affordable Holiday Outfit Options

I’m digging Shopbop right now…and here’s why: they created several Holiday-ready outfit options whether you’re uptown chic, chic professional, sensual siren, or downtown edgy….head to toe, most are around $400! #6 and #7 are my favorites: #6 is understated elegance [ruched mini dress & fur jacket] with a touch of edge [booties]; and #7 is everyday chic [dark, skinny denim & white button] with panache [fringe jacket]!  Click the pic to shop…

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Like It, Love It, or Lose It

Hmmmm, I love the scarf, gloves and coat…..and not too keen the length of the skirt.  The picture concept is about transitioning into fall and the outer accoutrements that make it stylish. What do you think?

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Fab Fall Look

I love this look for a few reasons: fedoras present a more polished and upscale feel…..the fur coat is funky and edgy and adds dimension to a neutral-colored outfit….flats are travel-friendly and the cognac color is absolutely perfection….the gray pants hang perfectly and although I don’t love front pleats, they create a laidback, downtown chicness that is undeniable. Let this be inspiration for shopping your fall closet….or adding a few fabulous pieces (click the pic)!

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Winter White Style Tip

I love winter white, but wearing the hue from head to toe can leave some looking like Ms. Marshmallow Fluff.  Stylists’ advice is to keep it light on top and wear a darker tone on the bottom (see picture).  Throwing a white or cream-colored boyfriend blazer on top of several short layers is a great way to wear white without accumulating too much volume.  Platform pumps worn with tights in the same shade help slim and elongate the silhouette, and a leather shopping

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….And Haute to Boot!

I am thinking this Lana Collar Thong Bootie by Dolce Vita is haute….and I’m not a bootie fan!  The different textures and the zips, snaps and folds make it standout without being too much.  Now the outfit can take a backseat and let your feet do the talkin‘.  At $298, it’s a little steep but an outfit-maker!! Just a little somethin’ to get you on the right footing for the weekend….

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