[ A. 7ForAllMankind Slim Cigarette in Lime Punch, B. One Teaspoon Awesome Baggies in Fiasco C. Rag & Bone D. Hudson "Krista" ]

[ E. AG SuperSkinny F. Abercrombie&Fitch G. Polka Dot with Destruction, Marc by Marc Jacobs, H. FrankieB Loved Skinny ]

It is true when they say in fashion everything comes back around. You know that item hanging in the back of your closet, that you’re secretly holding onto in hopes the trend will resurface? Everyone has at least one of those and for me that is denim. I recently vowed to NO longer purge my closet of any “good” denim. I have always loved destructed denim and a few years ago I gave away a really good pair. Of course now that I want to wear them again I’m kicking myself! Luckily, my inner hoarder decided to hold onto a few things and I’m loving these J Brand Thrasher (above) jeans again. Destruction adds a little edge and casualness, but are still versatile enough to dress up. Happy Friday friends!

Xxx, Steph

Find the pieces to this out fit!
The Dress: MILDB in Eggplant- http://www.stopstaringclothing.com
Jewelry: Starburst earrings & Necklace- http://www.baublebar.com
Shoes: The Bonnie Pump- http://www.betseyjohnson.com
Purse: The Deena & Ozzy Hologram Clutch – http://www.urbanoutfitters.com

What happens when you’re going to a celebration dinner and the windchill is 4 degrees and you may have to walk 6 blocks to the restaurant? You pull together a ladylike jeans outfit because a dress is just completely out of the question.

I decided to go as demure as possible with the details of this outfit to dress it up a bit. Notice the flat simple clutch, sweater buttoned at the collar, and necklace over said collar.

I went with low wedges instead of boots to keep with the ladylike vibe I had going. Aesthetically, I think this was a good choice. Practically speaking though, my feet were freezing. (Note to self: invest in some peds.)

How are you all dealing with trying to look cute in this cold? It’s so hard! I just want to wear sweater dresses with leggings and Uggs all the time.

Stay warm!

xo,
Elle

1) Cuisinart Panini/ Grill/ Griddle- http://beso.ly/rd/1692784149?a=492159&p=1 This is perfect for making great sandwiches on game day! I use mine almost daily.

2) Great Statement Necklace- Just because it’s a football game, doesn’t mean that you can’t dress up for company. Rock a statement necklace in your team’s colors. http://www.baublebar.com/fashion-jewelry/jewelry-necklaces/potpourri-bib-necklace.html

3) Chip and Dip Set- Every hostess needs a great chip and dip set. My favorite is Nora Flemming’s because you can change the pieces to suit any occasion. http://beso.ly/rd/4378948270?a=492159&p=1 & http://beso.ly/rd/4357887354?a=492159&p=1

4) Smokey Mustard- Now this might seem a little random, but I’m telling you- this mustard will rock your world. Pair this with pretzels and you’re one appetizer down. http://www.robertrothschild.com/product/product-details.aspx?prodid=7&name=Anna+Mae%27s+Smoky+Mustard 

5) Dessert!- Who can pass up a super delicious chocolate cupcake that looks like a football? Not I! http://www.the-baker-chick.com/2011/09/20/double-chocolate-football-cupcakes/

6) Shot Glasses- Win or Lose, shot glasses are always a must. (Just in case, of course) Here you can order personalized shot glasses for your special occasion. http://beso.ly/rd/2573546849?a=492159&p=1 

7) Snack Plates- Depending on the set up of your house, it might be a good idea to provide snack plates for your guests. Less of a mess to clean up after the game. For a Superbowl Party- keep them simple http://beso.ly/rd/4579808267?a=492159&p=1 

8) Notepads- This might seem like an odd one that should be stuck in another blog post, but as a fun game for your guests come up with different categories for the commercials  Examples include: Funniest, Best Car Commercial, Best Commercial for Women…. Jot down notes during the game and see which commercial stood out the most. http://beso.ly/rd/4736518672?a=492159&p=1

9) Koozies!- Surprise your guests by having a personalized koozie for them. http://img0-ec.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.334250888.jpg

10) Trivia- Anyone who knows me knows I love trivia. Even if it is Superbowl trivia where I’m most likely not going to answer anything correctly. Hey, at least I played the game, right? http://www.celebrations.com/content/super-bowl-trivia-facts 

LOCATION: Central Park, NYC
Hat: c/o Juicy Couture, Faux Fur Hooded Knit Vest: c/o Echo, Gold Jeans: (Similar), Watch: c/o Timex, Necklace & Studded Cuff: c/o Bauble Bar 2nd Anniversary Collection, Bangles: c/o Send The Trend, Studded Flats: c/o Yosi Samra, Sunnies: c/o Warby Parker

If I’m gonna wear black, I’m gonna add bling. I layered up for the cold in cozy knits and lots of gold to amp up my weekend basics. I wanted to be super comfy so these flats were the perfect choice, simple and studded!
 To start the week off I’m having a little Pinterest contest to celebrate Bauble Bar’s second anniversary. You can enter to win some fabulous gems! See all the deets below to play!!!

1. Head on over to This Post and re-pin an image of me styling the Lucite Hex Strand necklace  and the Gold Mini Disco Cone Cuff.
2. Leave a comment on my blog with your Pinterest username letting me know you pinned my image.
3. If I receive the most re-pins from The Post, one of you lucky commenters will win the pieces that I styled!
4. Get pinning and pass it on!!

A winner will be chosen next MONDAY (FEB. 4th)! 
PIN, PIN, PIN!!!! The blogger with the most re-pins can choose a winner! 

XOXO,
NYC

Joie dress~~Banana Republic blazer (old, similar here)~~Nordstrom tights~~Calvin Klein shoes (old, similar here)~~J.Crew belt~~Banana Republic clutch~~Jewelry: Baublebar, Hermes, Michael Kors

What I wore for a Saturday ping pong match.

]]> http://blog.stephaniejohnson.com/2013/01/22/style-guide-nassau/ Wed, 23 Jan 2013 01:00:14 +0000 sjtraveler http://blog.stephaniejohnson.com/2013/01/22/style-guide-nassau/ A sandy beach, a gentle ocean breeze, a tropical drink garnished with a paper umbrella . . . the Bahamas beckon, with promises of eternal summer!  Our BRAND NEW Nassau collection captures the ease of island life as checkered straw weave in natural raffia and vibrant coral, cool mint, and pastel pink combines with patent trim and a sleek navy liner.  Here’s what else made my packing list for a carefree Caribbean getaway!

1.  Guess Skinny Jean in True White

2.  Peri Quad Strand Statement Necklace

3.  Reef Cover Up Dress in Coral

4.  Graham & Spencer Top in Resort Stripe

5.  Lily Pulitzer  Resort Chic Wedges in Gold Metallic

6.  Blue Jellyfish Backless One Piece Swimsuit

7.  Essie Nail Polish in Mint Candy Apple  

I’m not a total supporter of knockoffs, but then again, if no one bought them only the very wealthy would own stylish clothing.  And for some reason, within the fashion community, certain brands are more easily forgiven for selling knockoffs than others.  So while Zara or Topshop can make a sweatshirt that is very Balmain, a cheap pair of studded heels from a cheesier website gets less respect (would it be better if the soles weren’t red?).

Half the things I buy are knockoffs, and I don’t even realize it until months later when I’m paging through an old Vogue and happen upon the designer version of my favorite pants/dress/heels.  (Clearly I don’t pay enough attention during fashion month.)  If I’m unknowingly buying knockoffs anyway, I might as well dive right in and get the ones that scream FAKE LOUBOUTINS!

Yep, that’s what these heels are.  Fake Louboutins, but at least I didn’t buy them from a site that advertises “Christian Louboutin heels – $150!!!”  I got them from Milanoo.com (for $50!), and after searching through endless pages of clear plastic platform stripper heels, I found some nice fake Alexander Wangs too.

Thoughts?

Taken by Rachel with her iPhone 4S

Before I start my post, let me tell you that my hair looked GREAT right before I went outside to take these photos last week. The humidity turned my just-straightened hair into a big puff ball within 30 seconds. I’m not kidding when I say this either. But, I guess it was worth it considering the photos came out great even with the fog in background.

Taken by Rachel with her iPhone 4S

I lost my daddy to lung cancer half a decade ago (this coming April) and in the beginning of 2012, my best friend’s mom received news that she has a rare form of cancer and within a six month time period, endured three surgeries. On top of that, I recently lost my friend (and former Marine), Joshua, to brain cancer. My way of remembering my daddy and Joshua and honoring my best friend’s mom is to give back through fashion by being a part of the Dress 4 Yellow committee so that one day, we may live in a cancer-free world.

Taken by Rachel with her iPhone 4S

I have been a member of the D4Y committee for two years and our goal is to raise funds to fight cancer fashionably.* This pleated dress on today’s post is going to be featured in the silent auction at the Dress 4 Yellow event to be held here in Dallas on March 28, 2013. In memory those who have lost their battle and in honor of those bravely fighting this awful disease, I wanted to take the opportunity to style this dress two different ways.

Taken by Rachel with her iPhone 4S

 With this first look, I styled the dress by pairing some motorcycle-esque booties with a faux leather jacket and faux python clutch to add a tough feel to a girly dress. I wanted to show through this look that no matter how hard it is, we have to be tough and fight back like those who are currently dealing with this battle.

To give you an idea of how big and important this event is, last year’s designers who contributed to the event were: Donna Karan, Isaac Mizrahi, Carmen Marc Valvo, Catherine Malandrino, Thakoon, Christian Siriano, Zang Toi, Cole Haan, Nike, Oakley, Ruffian, Abi Ferrin, Sachin + Babi, Elie Tahari, David Meister, Rachel Roy, Chadwick Bell, Lela Rose and more. To find out this year’s designers, sponsors, and how to buy tickets to this amazing event, please keep checking back on the Dress 4 Yellow website as we update it with new information or follow Dress 4 Yellow on Twitter (to be updated soon).

I don’t think there is anyone out there who doesn’t know someone who has cancer, so I am asking you to please join me in supporting the fight for cancer either through donations and/or liking the Dress 4 Yellow Facebook page to help spread the word.

Thank you and have a great weekend! Xx

::Outfit::

Laundry by Shelli Segal Yellow Pleated High Low Dress (to be auctioned at Dress 4 Yellow; adoring this lace dress as seen on Sarah Vickers)
New York & Company Faux Leather Jacket (old – loving this one from Nordstrom)
J. Crew Factory Multistrand Pearl Necklace (back in stock and on sale!)
TJ Maxx Gold Spikes Bracelet (loving this Poshlocket All Over Glam Bangle ; similar Bauble Bar Gold Mini Disco Cone bracelet)
Kate Spade Oh la la Bangle (old, but loving this Glass is Half Full Bangle)
Stella & Dot Renegade Cluster Bracelet (loving this Christina Bracelet too)
Jewel IQ Pave Bow Earrings (sold out, but loving these Glint Flower Studs and these Pave Pyramid Studs)
Faux Python Clutch (supa old and unknown)
Clarks Boots (gift from Rachel’s mom)

*Please note that in light of what is going on with Lance Armstrong, we are raising funds for support of cancer programs on a national and local level, including the Livestrong Foundation, Cook Children’s Cancer Center, Heroes For Children, and Richardson Methodist Cancer Center. Dress 4 Yellow is grateful that the Livestrong Foundation was created and has served millions of cancer survivors and their families for fifteen years and we are proud to continue our work on behalf of cancer patients, survivors, and their families.

I don’t have Daffy’s anymore to sneak in and find a whole slew of designer clothes for next to nothing prices, so I’m left to figure out what to do…*sigh*  Life After Daffy’s.

Ever since I was injured, I’ve taken to shopping on the internet, because shopping in stores really takes a toll on my body and I’m usually in dire pain by the time I walk out of the store.  It’s just easier to find what I’m looking for online, and just carry the box up to my apartment.  Maybe I just don’t like the shopping in person experience anymore, because even if I’m in the store for less than 10 minutes, I’m in dire pain, so maybe this is a psychological thing.

At any rate, trying to come up with a new wardrobe that I will like is complicated this season and I have no idea why.  So looking around on the internet, here’s what I’m planning on adding to my wardrobe…

1. McQ Alexander McQueen, $175.

This is on my ultimate lust list.  From Net-a-Porter comes this OMG shirt from McQ Alexander McQueen.  Sometimes a girl needs to be a little daring, fun, goth, sexy, tough and OMG all at the same time.  This shirt was my OMG I must own this.  Yes, this is being added to my wardrobe.  For the winter months, I’ll wear a long sleeve black tee underneath.  In the warmer months, I’ll wear a black tank.  And yes, I have worn something like this to work before.

 2. J. Crew Basics.

For those who thought J. Crew was just too expensive for their basics, try J. Crew Factory.  You can stock up on tees, sweaters, dresses, blouses, etc. for what you would pay at Old Navy.  You can also try J. Crew’s main site and shop their sales for your preppy basics.  Right now, I have a ton of blue in my cart.  I really need to get away from the blue/green colors! 

Oh, and FYI, they are catering to size 16 these days, but be careful, because not all size 16 from J. Crew is true to size.  I’ve been buying the L and XL and they’ve been HUGE…but damn if they’re not super comfy!

3. Metallics.

Need to add some metallics into this year’s wardrobe?  Saks Fifth Avenue is having their 70% off sale right now.  This Josie Natori top (which looks almost identical to a Lanvin top I saw on sale today for over $370) is currently $105.  I always add a little Josie Natori to my wardrobe every season.  It’s the only designer who is nice to women of all sizes from 0 to 20…she makes clothes designed to look good on everyone, no matter what your size.

4. Classics.

I have an eclectic taste.  This Natori jacket (on sale for $172) I’m absolutely in love with.  Yes, this is also from the designer Josie Natori.  It’s elegant, clean, crisp, and will go with just about everything in my closet.  It’s classy and sophisticated.

5.  The Perfect Glam Coat.

This is actually a dress, but it looks more like a coat…which is why it’s called a TRENCH dress.  For those nights out to the opera, theater or ballet, this would be perfect to wear over whatever you are wearing.  I found this Samuel Dong dress at Neiman Marcus for $147.

I also found this jacket for $63 at Neiman Marcus.

Lots of fun to be had in the Neiman Marcus 65% off sale.  I found plenty of clothes for for a very reasonable price that I’ll be adding to my wardrobe.  They have plenty of stuff that can fit just about any budget.

6.  Rinkside Fashion.

I really love this sweater from Neiman Marcus.  The sweater is $69.  Pairing it with a scarf, a pair of jeans and booties makes for the perfect rinkside outfit.  Granted, I usually wear an extra layer with a pop of color underneath because I freeze at hockey rinks. 

7. Dress Me Up.

This European Culture dress is on sale at Yoox.com for $45.

This European Culture dress is $55.

And yes, I do have my goth, sexy, daring side too.  This Scervino Street dress is $95.

I’m also in love with this Lucy In Disguise maxi dress for $79.

Most of these dresses are dresses I would wear to work.  Yoox.com is having an amazing sale.  They have such a HUGE inventory of goods.  Lots of great prices on designer clothing, too…especially European brands.  Last winter I picked up so much designer clothes for practically nothing from last year’s sale.  Everything was perfect.

****

Most of these items are just basic pieces to add to my wardrobe.  The key here is in the accessories.  Taking something so basic as a cobalt blue J. Crew sweater and adding something like THIS to the sweater…

you’ve redefined a normal boring sweater into an outfit worth talking about.  I have more people comment on my jewelry than anything else.  You can find this fuschia statement necklace, along with many amazing baubles for reasonable prices at Bauble Bar.  They are my go to place for all of my jewelry.

Jewelry can be the single most important piece to add to your wardrobe.  No matter what your shape, size, or bone structure, Bauble Bar jewelry will always look amazing on you.  [Trust me, in their first year of being in business, I referred so many customers to them...and every single customer was happy.  Bauble Bar is now 2 years old and they've grown like crazy in the short amount of time they've been around.  There are so many affordable pieces, you're sure to find something in your budget range.  Also, every Friday is their buried bauble day where you can pick up a buried bauble for only $10.  On Mondays, they have the $20 platinum buried bauble.  If you do like I did that first year of the buried bauble and buy whatever they suggest, you'll build up a whole new jewelry wardrobe in no time...worthy of many, many, many, many compliments.  So make sure to sign up while you're there.  That's the only way you'll get the buried bauble clues.  Check out their site, they always have rewards available for their loyal customers.  They're one of the best customer services sites I've ever encountered.]

Isn’t the back of this Milly dress so incredibly amazing!  I love the modern shape and the bright colors feel so fresh and feminine.  Pop coral bangles against the minty hues in the dress for a playful and sophisticated look.  Mix with lots of chic yet ladylike accessories and you will be the best dressed guest!

Shop: 1. Milly / 2. Anne Klein Deco’ed Out,  Anne Klein,  Pave Link Bracelet Bauble Bar/ 3. Gold Clutch/ 4. KORS  Michael Kors/ 5. Coral Bow Gloves

Clockwise from upper left: Tiffany Enchant Primrose Key Pendant $8500, BaubleBar Jade Floral Drops $24, Swarovski Sophisticated Bangle $280, Alexis Bittar Peruvian Chalcedony Ring $275

As you already know, I’m a runner. I’m currently in training for my longest race yet (5 Miles!), and as a result have been running about 4 days a week with gym days in between. I’ve also been trying to eat as healthy as possible to get my body into the best shape possible. As a result, I’ve been slowly but surely losing weight. Don’t panic, though, the curves are here to stay, they’re just becoming more toned!

Source

Because of this, though, I’ve sort of been refraining from doing too much clothing shopping. I want to wait until I’ve dropped a size or two before I really go out and get anything new. The problem with this, of course, is that it leaves me rotating the same clothes that you’ve already seen here. Any shopping I’ve been doing lately has pretty much been either workout gear (I just ordered my first pair of Vibram Five Fingers. They were over 50% off, how could I NOT?), jewelry, or shoes. Shoes I will never stop buying, because they will always fit, whether my pants are a size 16 or a size 6.

So here’s what I’m gonna do: While in the midst of this weight loss process, you won’t see full outfit posts, since I literally have nothing weather appropriate that you haven’t already seen. What you will be seeing is a LOT of shoes (I know Kristi will be loving that!). You will also see LOTS of earrings, necklaces, rings & bracelets. I will also be posting a weekly “Spotlight On…” post. This will be a post that highlights something fashion-related that I think deserves recognition. This could be anything from a store, a trend, colors, designers, other bloggers, and everything in between! I’m also totally open to suggestions. If there’s something that you’d like to see on here, please let me know!

I hope you guys enjoy all the upcoming content, and I PROMISE there will be new content this week! Be on the lookout for a shoes post and my first “Spotlight On…” post before the week is out

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

<3 Chelsea

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Blair Eadie on Bauble Bar

Years ago when I was living in Los Angeles I worked for a man whose wife wore more bracelets on her wrists than I had ever seen before, until now!  I always thought it looked so cool and chic but that was just her style and I never thought I could pull it off.  Now it almost seems as import to dress your wrists as it does to dress yourself.  Just think, you can take the most classic top and pants and pair it with as many bracelets, cuffs, watches, whatever you desire and you will instantly look so polished.  How easy is that!

Here are some of my favorites this spring!

   1 Love Rocks NY 2 Bauble Bar  3 J.Crew 4 Banana Republic

5 Bauble Bar  6 J.Crew 7 Tory Burch

If you have not already done so you must check out Bauble Bar.  So many fun pieces at great prices!

What are your must have spring accessories?

Michael Kors Tank | Alexander Wang Skirt | L.A.M.B. Booties | UGO Cacciatori Ring | Fang Pendant | Marie Turnor Clutch

You all know I don’t shy away from super saturated brights, but that doesn’t a nice deep navy or hunter green (or both, as it were) aren’t equally loved. This time it’s a Topshop peplum number + a cropped navy Gap blazer. Simple skinny cords, my favorite sassy flats, and a shiny new statement necklace. Off and running.

Blazer and trousers: Gap; top: Topshop; flats: Sam Edelman; necklace: Bauble Bar

Pretty, yes? Love the tough + chunky links.

Let me know what you think about the new space– and have a great weekend!

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Now that Christmas is over, I’ve been craving so many brights. My absolute favorite color combination lately is emerald green (the color of 2013!) and cobalt blue. I recently bought my first pair of cobalt pants from Gap on sale for $11 and I’m obviously going a little overboard combining them with everything from leopard to pinks to purples. I just can’t seem to get enough. 

While neutrals are always an easy option, I’ve been trying to make myself step out of the box in an attempt to rethink my entire wardrobe and come up with new ideas instead of shopping for new clothes entirely. Besides, I’m a little over the gloomy weather in New Orleans and nothing, I mean nothing, can improve your mood like brights.

Seriously, go in your closet and pull out your favorite bright pair of pants or skirt. Then, start playing with your options. Break the rules a bit – think Blair Eadie / Carrie Bradshaw.

Tag me in those color combos on Twitter or Instagram using #secretivestyle! I always love to see what you come up with.

PS: Aren’t those Vita Fede bracelets AH MAZ ING?! Hey, a girl can dream.

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