Holiday Looks

Recently, while wandering through my local mall, The Westchester in White Plains, NY, I found Marc Cain; an upscale women’s clothing store.  Color and styling caught my eye and I was swayed to enter. Founded in Germany in 1973, the line represents “German engineering with European styling”.  They do a wonderful job of combining their aesthetic and art with a laid-back attitude, a natural, but elegant look combined with innovation and exclusivity.  The Marc Cain woman “lives in the moment, is self confident, open-minded and curious. She loves being a woman and expresses herself by what she is wearing- naturally and as a matter of course.”

Personally, I find the line to be a beautiful combination of classic and chic.  The cuts are very flattering, the fabrics very special, the clothes wearable and comfortable and they have unique statement pieces that are covetable.  It’s one of those stores where I want everything!!

Recently, I was invited by the staff to check out the new collection.  With prosecco in hand (a very nice touch), I was inspired for the holiday.  I asked if I could put some holiday looks together and do a blog post – they kindly obliged!

The following are holiday looks I love suitable for various occasions…

Stylish Holiday

I love leather leggings and a beautiful blazer!

Princess Dairy Leopard Blazer in Techo Velour

Essentials Second Skin 3/4 Sleeve Top in Black

Essentials Leather Legging in Black

Ankle Strap Sandal in Blckk

Suede Ankle Boot in Black

Menswear Inspired Holiday

I love pant suits and this tuxedo style is stunning and versatile!

Dancing Stars Tuxedo Jacket with Satin Collar and Ribbon Closure in Black

Dogs & Other Countries Tear Drop Sequin Tank Top in Grey with Ribbon Detail

Dancing Stars Tuxedo Pant with Satin side detail in Black

Remove the jacket and glitter the night way in this stunning top- New Year’s option!!

This tank is stunning and has beautiful details including grosgrain ribbon straps.

Another option for the tuxedo pant – a super feminine lace top.

Dogs & Other Countries Short Sleeve Black Lace top with Peplum

Chic Holiday

Perfect for a holiday lunch.

Dogs & Other Countries Lace Top Short Sleeve in Red/Orange

Suede Ankle Strap Sandal in Taupe

I love a statement piece and this phenomenal faux fur jacket is WOW!!  Another day wear it with jeans and a turtleneck.

Dogs & Other Countries Grey Plaid Wool Trouser with Pink Ribbon Belt

Dogs & Other Countries Lace Top Short Sleeve in Red/Orange

Dogs & Other Countries Rainbow of Colors Faux Fur Jacket with Removable Collar

Suede Ankle Strap Sandal in Taupe

Boho Holiday

For the casual holiday brunch

Prints & Princesses Boho Chic Floral Dress

Knee-Hi Chestnut Brown Faux Suede Boots

Prints & Princesses White Faux Lamb Jacket

 

Elegant Holiday

This dress exudes class and elegance – it’s more than just a LBD.

Dancing Stars Lace Dress Sequinned Stars detail

Suede Ankle Strap Sandal in Black

 

While these are looks intended for the holidays, the pieces can go the distance:

All of the tops pair beautifully with jeans for a dressier casual look.

The statement jackets go with everything.

The tuxedo jacket and trouser can be worn as a separates.

The leopard blazer goes with jeans, a pencil skirt, etc.

 

If you are interested in seeing more of the collection, the website is Marc-Cain.com.

Find your way to Marc Cain and enjoy the experience.

Marc Cain

Westchester Mall, 125 Westchester Ave., White Plains NY, 10601

914-460-5051

mc.store.newyork.westchester@marc-cain.com

www.marc-cain.com

Best wishes for a happy, healthy and stylish holiday!   Thanks for stopping by….Cynthia

Fall Fashion 2017

Summer 2017 is coming to a very quick close.  Kids are heading back to school, I’m getting back to my regular routine and thankfully, the Fall Fashion season is upon us!!  It’s like an annual ritual for me – gather the September Fashion magazines, check out Pinterest, and browse my favorite clothing stores for inspiration.  I gather, I contemplate and then I narrow down my favorite fashion trends for the season.

I like a lot of what is out there, however, these are my four favorite trends for Fall Fashion 2017:

 

I love outerwear and a cozy and stylish shearling is a simple way to look on trend.  Throw on over a top and jeans with great footwear and you are set!

 

I always seem to lean toward a plaid/check – classic for sure, but if you are willing to mix prints – super stylish.

 

Loving Burgundy – always have – and happy to see it “in” this Fall season.  Burgundy is beautiful head-to-toe, but it also compliments blue, black, grey, white and metallics, and is a chic accessory.

Gucci Medium GG Marmont 2.0 Matelasse Velvet Shoulder Bag

 

After a dress, what is easier than a pantsuit to look pulled together?  Slim or slouchy – go with what looks best on you.

Hope these images and trends provide you with a bit of Fall Fashion inspiration.  If they appeal to you, try to find something to add to your wardrobe and help you put together your own updated style for the season.

Thanks for stopping by….Cynthia

 

Images:  stylecaster.com

Holiday Party Looks

Putting together a chic and spirited seasonal look for holiday parties can feel like another task on the to do list.  Not to mention something else tapping into the holiday budget. For the gal on a budget or just a gal who doesn’t feel like spending a lot on an outfit she may wear a few times, Zara is the place for well-priced, trendier items that get you in the holiday spirit.  This holiday, look for style details like ruffles, velvet, off-shoulder and one-shoulder which are all on trend this season.  There is no need to break the bank to look great.  You won’t regret the fun and affordable piece you find at Zara.

Dresses always look great, but I love a jumpsuit for holiday parties too.  Just add the right shoe and accessories and you are done!  (Perhaps some thought to makeup, especially lip color.) And, always consider your bodytype and make choices that are the most flattering for you.  Below are few selections I love for holiday parties…

zaradress1

Cut-Out Shoulder Frilled Dress

zaradress2

Shiny Velvet Dress

zaradress3

Contrast Velvet Dress

zaradress4

Short Sequin Dress

zaradress5

Frilled Dress

zarajump1

Long Jumpsuit with Asymmetric Frilled Neckline

zarajump2

Tuxedo Jumpsuit

zarajump3

Embroidered Jumpsuit

Warmest wishes for a Happy and Healthy Holiday!  And, have fun getting dressed!

Thanks for stopping by…Cynthia

Fall Fashion

Fall Fashion, the clothing season I love most, is nearly here!!  The Fall Runways showed all sorts of fabulous trends – many very classic and wearable.  Those resonating with me most are Cross Body Stoles, Gray Plaid, Navy Overcoats, Off-the-Shoulder, Pin Stripe Suiting, Shearling Bombers, Statement Fur and Velvet!!

Shown here are runway images.  Below each example is a wearable and affordable example of the trend.  Click on the link for more information or to purchase.

CROSS BODY STOLES

I love a fur accessory and wearing a luxurious stole across your body is a fun and versatile way of using it.  Definitely makes a statement and shows you’ve got confidence.

cross body stoles

zara fur stole

Zara Small Fur Stole

 

GRAY PLAID

I will never tire of gray plaid and I am happy to see this classic is hot this Fall!  So many ways to wear – casual, for work, and even dressy and a super wardrobe staple and builder.

gray plaid

 

theory 2

Theory Double Faced Wool

 

NAVY OVERCOAT

Perhaps you already have a navy overcoat – please wear it!!  This is another classic worth having in your wardrobe and since it is on trend for Fall, wear it with everything.

navy overcoat

JCrew Navy Topcoat

JCrew Lady Day Coat with Gold Buttons

 

OFF-THE-SHOULDER

This is such a feminine and flattering look.  If you didn’t get a top for Spring and Summer, it’s time to get either a long-sleeved top for Fall or a great dress.

off-the-shoulder-trend

Milly Selena Off the Shoulder Midi Dress

Milly ‘Selena’ Off the Shoulder Midi Dress (Nordstrom)

 

PIN STRIPE SUITING

A sharp and classic fabric – just a pair of slacks or a blazer would be a superb addition to your wardrobe and have you on trend but will work for years.

pin stripe suiting

Zara pin stripe trouser

Zara Pinstripe Trouser

 

SHEARLING BOMBER

Fun, fun!!  A chunky and cozy outerwear piece that makes a big statement.  Go faux and save a few bucks.

shearling bomber

Zara Suede Effect and Fleecy Jacket

Zara Suede Effect and Fleecy Jacket

 

STATEMENT FUR

Here is an opportunity to show off your personality and individuality. (Faux is fine.)

statement fur jcrew

Zara Multicoloured Faux Fur Jacket

Zara Multicoloured Faux Fur Jacket

 

SHADES OF TAN

Elegant, classic, cozy…cannot go wrong adding something tan.  Goes with everything for any occasion!

tan-color-trend

JCrew Cashmere Tan Top

JCrew Collection double-faced cashmere top

 

VELVET

Luxurious and chic –  a velvet blazer or even a velvet sneaker would work hard this Fall.

velvet

Anthroplogie Eve Velvet Blazer

Anthropologie Eve Velvet Blazer

Have fun with Fall Fashion and make selections that suit your personal style, update and build your wardrobe and boost your confidence!!

Thanks for stopping by…Cynthia

Runway Images: Stylecaster.com

Off Shoulder Trend

Spring is in full swing and summer is on the way!  With the warmer weather quickly approaching, now is the time to install your arsenal of lightweight, seasonal pieces.   Off  Shoulder looks are a superb and flattering choice that  many designers are showing.  They are easy to wear and look good on most people.  Off  Shoulder dresses, worn with different footwear and accessories, go dressy or casual and the tops are great with jeans, skirts, shorts, trousers – everything!!

One of my favorite designers for feminine but chic clothing is Rebecca Taylor and all of the selections below are hers – some are already marked down.  Click on a link and check them out.

Off Shoulder Cotton Dress

off shoulder rebecca 5

Ella Fil Coupe One Shoulder Dress

off shoulder rebecca 6

Gauze Top

off shoulder rebecca 4

Poplin Top

 

off shoulder rebecca 3

Gauze Dress

off shoulder rebecca 2

Amanda Dress

 

off shoulder Rebecca

Consider updating your Spring and Summer wardrobe by adding a versatile,  comfortable, feminine and chic Off Shoulder piece.  It may become your new favorite.

Thanks for stopping by…Cynthia

Dressing up Distressed Jeans

It is nearly February but Happy New Year!!

After a long hiatus due to troublesome computer/blog glitches, I am back!!  To those that follow my blog and have asked about when my next post will be, my sincerest apologies.  Since early December,  I have had technical problems with my blog.  I have spoken to numerous experts who have offered numerous differing opinions.  But, I finally found the right, trustworthy help and it seems the blog is sorted and working properly!!  Thank you for your patience!

My last post was showing distressed jeans in a casual but put together outfit.  This post is using the same jeans (and top) but dressing them up. By adding a long vest with a removeable fur collar (fur attached), animal print stacked heels and a clutch, the outfit is suddenly dressed up.  This is an outfit that could be worn out to dinner, to a casual dinner party, a ladies night or perhaps a trip into the city.

Carola_Muis-11-2015-(85-of-419)-Edit

Carola_Muis-11-2015-(95-of-419)-Edit

Carola_Muis-11-2015-(118-of-419)-Edit

Carola_Muis-11-2015-(115-of-419)-Edit

Carola_Muis-11-2015-(110-of-419)-Edit

Zara Black waistcoast with removeable faux fur collar

Gap Easy Straight Ripped Jeans

Wolford Fitted Mock Turtleneck (similar)

J. Crew Leopard calf hair stacked heel pump (similar style) (similar pattern)

L.K. Bennett Laura Saffiano Clutch Bag

Gucci Sunglasses

All photos by Carola Muis

Thanks again for your patience and for stopping by…Cynthia

How to Wear Ripped Jeans

A great outfit, in my opinion, provides contrast and opposites.  So, for instance, an outfit that incorporates masculine and feminine elements hits the right notes.  That is probably the main reason I love ripped jeans and distressed jeans.  They make it very easy to bring the masculine (or tougher) element into an outfit.

The outfit in this post is casual mixing ripped jeans, with a fitted mock turtleneck, slip-on sneakers and black beads but I hope it shows a simple way to wear ripped jeans to knock around but still look pulled together.

Carola_Muis-11-2015-(10-of-419)-Edit

Carola_Muis-11-2015-(17-of-419)-Edit

Carola_Muis-11-2015-(58-of-419)-Edit

Carola_Muis-11-2015-(67-of-419)-Edit (1)

Jacket is lululemon (n/a)

Jeans are Gap Distressed Easy Straight

Slip-on sneakers are Roxy

Fitted mock turtleneck is from Wolford (similar)

All photos by Carola Muis.

Think about adding ripped or distressed jeans into your wardrobe.  Thanks for stopping by…Cynthia

How to Wear a Skinny Scarf

A skinny scarf is my favorite accessory right now.  I love the way they add polish without effort and go casual or dressy.  Try wearing a skinny scarf with a round or v-neck t-shirt and jeans – so chic!!

In this outfit I am wearing it with a black v-neck tunic, skinny, high-rise, destructed jeans and ankle booties.  I threw on a suede trench with it.  Have fun trying different looks!

Links at bottom of post.

Carola_Muis-11-2015-(319-of-419)-Edit

Carola_Muis-11-2015-(286-of-419)-Edit

Carola_Muis-11-2015-(304-of-419)-Edit

Carola_Muis-11-2015-(287-of-419)-Edit2

Carola_Muis-11-2015-(315-of-419)
Carola_Muis-11-2015-(316-of-419)-Edit

Carola_Muis-11-2015-(317-of-419)-Edit

 

Skinny scarf and a Floral Style here

Jeans

Tunic (similar) or (similar)

Suede Trench (similar)

Booties

hoop earrings

Marc Jacobs handbag (N/A)

All photos by Carola Muis

Try a skinny scarf and thanks for stopping by…Cynthia

 

 

What to Wear for Thanksgiving

Considering the horrifying terrorist attacks in Paris and the uncertainty these acts bring, it is important while we pray for others, we reflect on the good in life and all we are thankful for.  With Thanksgiving a week away, I am thinking of and thankful for my family, my husband and four children and my friends old and new, near and far.  Among other things, I am thankful for my children’s teachers and coaches – particularly those that have influenced them in a positive way or have made a difference in their life.

With the abundant Thanksgiving meal ahead and gatherings being organized, the personal stylist in me is naturally thinking – What to Wear for Thanksgiving?  What comes to mind is casual, cozy and comfy (big meal means expanding waist) but also, stylish and current.

Our Thanksgiving gathering is casual so a comfy cashmere tunic and leather leggings will likely be my choice.

All links for more information on pieces (or similar) at bottom.

Carola_Muis (10 of 11)

Carola_Muis (11 of 11)

Carola_Muis (6 of 11)

Carola_Muis (7 of 11)

Carola_Muis (5 of 11)

Carola_Muis (2 of 11)

Carola_Muis (8 of 11)

Click on highlighted items in blue (or red) for more information:

Tipped Handkerchief Hem Cashmere Tunic

1969 leather pull-on legging jean

Lucky brand black wedge ankle booties (similar)

Rebecca Minkoff ‘Moto’ Hobo bag

beaded and tassle necklace (similar)

Burberry sunglasses (n/a)

Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain

 

All photos by Carola Muis.

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy a relaxing, safe and Happy Thanksgiving…Cynthia

How to Wear Plaid

Are you caught in the rutt of wearing the same thing the same way all of the time?  I challenge you to pick one piece – make it a plaid piece if you have one (for the sake of this post)- and try mixing it with something different and/or try wearing it in a different way.  Change up how you wear your plaid button down, skirt or dress and how you tie your scarves, etc.  Here are some outfits that may inspire you!!!

Wrapping a plaid scarf around a blazer adds interest and style to this skinny jeans, blazer and pumps outfit…
Plaid

Wear your flannel button down with a hip-length cardigan and gold jewelry.

plaid 2

 

plaid 3 Layer your flannel button down over a camisole (lace detail is a nice feminine touch) and wear a casual utility style jacket or denim jacket over it with the flannel cuffs rolled up and over.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wrap a plaid flannel button down around a casual sweater dress slightly off center.

plaid 5

Unbutton your plaid dress and wear it as a jacket over a t-shirt, rolled up jeans and open-toe wedge booties.

IMG_2512

Wear a classic plaid skirt with a solid turtleneck and super-chic over-knee boots.

plaid 4

Plaid button down over leather leggings, strappy heels with a classic bag.

plaid 9

Wear head to toe black and belt a plaid shawl around your waist.

plaid 7

Mix a classic plaid pencil skirt with a t-shirt, chunky jewelry and suede wedge booties. (Then throw your leather jacket over it.)plaid 11

Can’t do wrong following Olivia Palermo’s lead…plaid shift with thigh high suede boots and classic clutch. Perfect mix of classic with trendy!

plaid 10

Have some fun mixing up your plaid pieces.  You will be amazed how many new outfits you can put together!!

Thanks for stopping by…Cynthia

Images:  All various Pinterest