Covered Up in a Cape

Looking for a new look to stay warm this winter?  Try wearing a cape.  The different styles of capes change both the warmth and the style look.  The key thing when wearing a cape is the fit of the clothing you pair it with, so you don't end up looking larger than you truly are.

This  Jones New York Cape, $199 is best worn with a fitted dress or skirt or slim fit pants.  It works best with bolder colors underneath.

Milly's Purple Sienne Belted Cape is a great way to show off your waist.  You still get the fullness and warmth of a cape, but still having a shape.  This works well with slim pants and boots.  $570.90.

 

Larry Levine's Cape with Epaulet's, $64.99 are truly fashion forward.  The large sleeve with opening emphasizes the mid-section and buttons again at the bottom to emphasize your figure.

Betsey Johnson's Black Wool Blend Tie Waist Cape Coat buttons at the neckline and is belted giving your cape a more fitted look.  This is a great casual coat to wear with jeans or leggings.  $142.40.

Try a shorter length cape coat which is great for going out on the town.  This studded version is ultra chic and modern.  Susana Monaco, $150.60.

Resort Chic for your Island Getaway...

It's the time of year to travel to somewhere warm.  Below are some chic looks for wherever you may be vacationing this winter season.


The first thing to pack in the bag is a caftan cover-up.  This can go from the beach to the yacht to the party at night.  Pair it with thong sandals during the day and heels at night.  This caftan is Unitah by One collection.  Called the Elizabeth multi-way cover-up, $235.  K. Jacques Epicure Crisscross Strap Sandal, $252.  Add a heeled sandal in color or nude, such as this Red Valentino Jute Platform Sandals, $450.  Fringe earrings complete the change from day to night.  These are Jules Smith Coachella Earrings, $95.

   


Nothing says chic like a layered look of a tank top, cardi wrap, and crisscross fitted skirt, all by BCBG.  Ivy CrissCross Fitted Skirt, $158 and Signature Cardi-Wrap, $188. Add these Alice + Olivia Thelma Platform Sandals, $295.  And Tory Burch Nylon Ella Tote to keep your beach and boating essentials carried in style, $225.

  


Time to set sail on a yacht or hit a beach party...check these party appropriate options.  This is the Beach Bunny Swimwear Gold Dust Monokini, $279.  Gold sequined bikini Jade Princess, by Sauvage or a black halter bikini by Sauvage.

   

Add a sleek tunic over your bathing suit to have drinks in style.  Despi Mala Belize Tunic, $118.  Or a romper, such as L*Space Teal Callisto Jumper, $130.  This polynesian dress by Nanette Lepore, $184, is ready for any adventure you have in store.

  

Vitamin A, L*Space, Betsey Johnson, Vix, Becca, Nanette Lepore are just a few of my favorite designers for beach chic.

Cover-ups can often be worn out as a dress.  Just check the length to make sure nothing extra is hanging out. Add a necklace or belt and earrings to a t-shirt dress or romper.  Many ways to stylize cover-ups and make them chic to wear out at night.

EYE CATCHING ACCESSORIES AND SHOES

Have you ever wanted to wear an outfit but you feel that your all black dress or suit makes people think you are going to a funeral instead of showing your style?  Add some fun jewelry, purses, or shoes of interest so people remember the statement that your outfit makes.

This clutch, by Bebe, screams personality.  I love the pink and the feathers.  No one will forget you while carrying this.  A feathered version always catches your eye.  This BCBG Portia feather clutch is available in blue, lime green, or black for $148.

 

Add statement shoes, such as this pair by Sam Edelman studded black velvet pump for $225, available at Cusp and Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus or Sam Edelman Lorissa for $119.99.  Zara's peep toe with flower at $79.99 is a great option.  The flower at the ankle grabs your attention.

   

Wow them with your accessories this season!

Men's Loungewear and Pajama's

Even if men don't wear pajama's to bed, it is nice to have them or comfortable clothes to lounge in. The fit and feel are the most important things to look for when purchasing.  Pants should hang nicely to accentuate his behind, not overly large which does not give him shape.  The shirt should be more fitted again to show off his chest.  There are many shirt options which are made with breathable fabrics if he gets hot at night.

Below is a pair of satin pajama pants by Robert Graham, available at Saks Fifth Avenue for $88. The colors are vibrant and who doesn't like the feel of satin.

If flannel pants work better, here is an option by Ralph Lauren, available at Nordstrom's for $38.

I'm not a big fan of the matching print top and bottoms as the look is a little outdated and usually more towards what older gentlemen wear.  But there are many options out there.  To update the matching top and bottom look, get a short or long sleeve shirt that coordinates with the bottoms. This is a Chaps Checkered Pajama Set for $65.  If you really want a matching set, try to go for a top that has a little more fit so it doesn't give that box or pillow case shape.  Here is an option from Hugo Boss for $82.99.

 

This is a great lounging/pj set for men by Hanro.  This is a long sleeve knit pajama set for $150.50.  Another option in grey by Joseph Abboud is a cotton sleep set, $29.  The look of the shirt and the style of the pants are perfect for lounging around the house and looking like you are not wearing pajama's.

 

Paul Smith, Robert Graham, BOSS Black, Derek Rose, Ralph Lauren, 2 (x)ist, Hanro make great pajama or loungewear options for men.

Baby it's cold outside...snuggle up in loungewear and pajama's.

How can you look sexy and still be comfortable when going to bed?  There are many options available for women and men.  Ladies, both your pajama's and loungewear can look sexy, sometimes by simply adding a piece before or after you get out of bed.

The first option is a nightgown by Carole Hochman Midnight and accompanying mohair sweater.  Wear the chemise to bed and throw on the cardigan sweater while lounging.  The "Knit by the Fire Sweater" in baby pink is $75 and the satin embrace chemise gown is $79, both from Nordstrom's.

Cozy up by the fire in this warm pajama set by PJ Salvage.  The deep v-neck top and subtle softness makes the woman sexier and keep her cool.  The pants are PJ Salvage plush fleece pants.  Ladies, if you get warmer in bed wear a pair of pink lace edged boy shorts under the pants and take the pants off to go to bed.  Or in reverse wear a pink lace edged tank top.  Top $34 and Bottoms $38.  

 

When lounging at the house, women want to look comfortable but still show that they have a shape and are sexy.  Find a pant style that works for you, leggings, yoga pants and a top that enhances your best features.  I most often say, two loose garments do not give you any shape so choose a more fitted pant which doesn't mean a legging but one that emphasizes your bottom, skinny legs or whatever your best feature is, or choose a top that shows your chest, stomach, shoulders, etc.  Nothing has to be fitted but it should just lay nicely to show your features.  Shown below are a few options.  The gray outfit could have a different tank top underneath, perhaps with lace.  The bank of the cardigan comes to your waist so that it enhances your bottom.  Made by Cosabella.  They grey top and white and grey lounge pants by Pink Lotus emphasize her bottom and her legs.  

 

For women who get hot while sleeping, Wild Bleu is a great brand for you.  Their patented HRT-Heat Release Technology dries 4 times faster than cotton.  Pajama's and bedding are available.  Go to www.wildbleu.com to check all the patterns they have available.  This is particularly great for any woman who has hot flashes.

If wanting to look more tantalizing, go for a chemise.  Everyone knows I love feathers.  Try this option from Flora Nikrooz $132 or this molded cup babydoll with thong by In Bloom by Jonquil.  This emphasizes the chest and keeps "the girls" in place.

 

Natori, In Bloom by Jonquil, Cosabella, Calvin Klein and Oscar de la Renta all make beautiful lingerie and gowns.  These are a few of my go to brands.  The most important thing is how the garments fit you so that you don't look like you have no shape, but are emphasizing whatever your best features are.  You can definitely look stylish while in bed or lounging around the house!

MOMMY LOOKS....CASUAL CHIC

Ladies bodies change after they've had a baby and they no longer can fit in to what they used to, or your life is now so busy with child activities that your old wardrobe just doesn't work.  The idea behind looking and feeling fabulous as a mom is to have a few quick easy pieces to pull on that make you look like you spent a long time getting ready.  I've also added how you change the outfit from daytime with the kids to a night out...and always be casual chic.

The first look is a long tunic top or sweater and leggings.  Very easy to pull on in the morning when you are rushing.  The idea is that the top has interesting design or color to draw others attention.  This also hides any markings from your children.  Macy's Alfani Long Sleeve Patterned Sequin Tunic on sale for $51.75.  Shown in the berry color.  Or get two tops and choose another Alfani Sequin Tunic in a Grey Color Block pattern, which is very on trend for $51.99 from Macy's.  Pair this with a great pair of black leggings, and some flat black riding boots or a fun pair of flats.  Change the top and the shoes to have different looks.  This great pair of Cole Haan boots is leather in the front and stretchy ultra suede in the back with adjustable straps to make skinnier or enlargen as needed for your leg shape.  Cole Haan Air Whitley Buckle Strap boot, available at Nordstrom's for $229.90.  Add a fun black flat.  I chose one by Giuseppe Zanotti for $595.  Anything with a little design or interest makes the shoe more fun.  

         

Another option is to do a dolman sleeved long top with skinny pants or leggings as seen below.  I like this look as mom's on the go won't get dirty with a dark colored top, but you are moving away from the jeans or black leggings look.  You can wear this at home without the boots and add them if you are going out for the day with the kids.  To make it sexier for when your husband or significant other comes home, or to change it to a date night outfit, add high heel suede boots or black stiletto's and a long necklace.  This is the INC International Concepts Ponte Seamed Skinny Pull On Pants for $49.50 and the INC International Concepts Dolman Sleeve Boat Neck Tunic for $49.50 both available at Macy's. 

      

For an edgier mom look, try real or faux leather leggings.  Or change out of your regular leggings and throw a pair of these on when going out for a date night or night on the town with friends.  These are Faux Leather Leggings by International Concepts from Macy's for $49.50.

 

Another look to try is a sweater and cropped or ankle length jeans.  Shown is a metallic tunic sweater by INC International Concepts for $69.50 and cropped skinny pull on pants in white for $59.50.  I know you are thinking...white?  That is crazy.  If you aren't comfortable try it with navy.  Wear with silver flats during the day or flip flops once it is warm enough.  If going out at night, add silver high heels or nude color and silver bangles and big silver earrings and a cocktail ring.

Add a cute flat by Chloe for the daytime excursions such as park visits and field trips.  Chloe 'Zoe' ballet flat, $520, at Nordstrom's.

The last look will be a layered look.  This is a pair of nice dark denim jeans (no mom jeans ladies...see my blog about denim if you need ideas), a short or long-sleeve t-shirt top, and a cardigan with flats or boots.  The point of this outfit is that you can wear just the shirt with the jeans if home painting and running around, but add the cardigan when leaving the house or for dinner when your significant other comes home.  Shown below is a MICHAEL Michael Kors Open Front Cardigan for $69.50.  The pop of color from the t-shirt is what brings this alive.  I would also add a chunky necklace to jazz up the outfit.

Halogen, Tahari, Michael Kors, Pure Amici are just a few of the designers who make great sweaters or cardigans for this option.

I can't wait to see all you casual chic mom's out around town!