Home for the Holidays…literally!

Over the past COVID months,  I made the effort nearly every day to go for a walk, do some weight training and stretching, get dressed wearing clothes (not sweats) and put makeup on even just to go wait in line at the grocery store.  I know, for myself, it would have been a downward spiral if I didn’t make some sort of personal effort.  But, how I miss really getting dressed!!!  Now that the holidays are here I am excited to share some great looks!

My last post was a collaboration with Marc Cain and my “return” post is with them as well!  There clothing makes me feel great!  Great fabrics, amazing color, the ability to mix, and for me, fantastic fit!!  If you like standout pieces Marc Cain is also worth checking out…

This holiday season is truly looking like we will all be Home for the Holidays…literally!  Styling is by Marc Cain The Westchester’s Manager, Virginia.  We’ve put together many looks  – some are more casual, but still pulled together.  Some are dressy.  But all are unique!!  Additionally, we wanted to highlight the mix and match capability of the clothes and Marc Cain’s approach and passion for color.

COZY COLOR:

Unexpected holiday color, this blush floral print is the foundation.  Mixed with a cream faux fur vest, black leather fanny pack and black booties.

Mixed with a shiny black top and sneakers…this is ideal as a comfortable, festive holiday look, especially if your the hostess of a casual holiday meal.

Amazing reversible faux fur grey outerwear piece

The flip side

 

REPTILE PRINT MANY WAYS:

These reptile pants are incredibly versatile!!  Worn with a baby pink cashmere sweater, bright pink coat and patent leather hiking boots.

For fun, add a hat and a fur collar…

Pair them with a printed sweater, white patent booties and a soft fleece handbag.

Take them simple and classic with a silk top, classic pump and clutch.  (BTW – the classic black coat in the background is stunning.  Has removable ostrich feather pocket detail!!)

BURGUNDY!!

Burgundy leather leggings with a cozy burgundy turtleneck sweater, fleece bag and classic pumps.  Love this easy look for an at home gathering. Works great with an ankle boot too.

Going more casual…Same burgundy legging worn with a silk blouse and soft plaid cape.  The gold booties are lined with the softest fur – no socks needed!!

 

CHIC LEATHER:

Machine washable faux leather wide legged culotte worn with a sheer sequined top with white underpinning.  The houndstooth coat is embellished with a soft blue faux fur collar accessory. Dress down look – pair the culotte with a cashmere sweater and bootie.

 

UNIQUE JACKET:

Having a unique jacket in your closet makes getting dressed so easy! This velvet-like embellished fabric with removable burgundy faux fur collar is paired with a simple striped tee and skinny jeans and white western style boot.  The cobalt blue cross body adds another pop of color.  This jacket reverses to black patent leather!

BOLD COLOR:

Wearing hunter green leather leggings with a bold, colorful floral print scuba jacket and chartreuse scarf and bag.

Hunter green leggings worn with a stunning emerald green velvet blazer, chartreuse carry-all and scarf worn around the wrist.

SURPRISING COLOR COMBO:

Coral and baby blue – a surprisingly beautiful combo!  The printed scuba cropped pant and coral turtleneck are a natural pair.  Mixed with baby blue pieces – sumptuous faux fur jacket, booties, hat and leather gloves.  The scarf picks up all of the colors.

CLASSIC SUIT WITH A TWIST:

Menswear-inspired black classic double breasted wool suit with soft pink windowpane and cropped pant.  No shirt – just a feminine scarf balances the masculine.

Windowpane suit worn with a beautiful soft pink faux fur coat.

WHY NOT GET DRESSED UP:

Even if your staying home for the holidays, why not get dressed up?!  This stunning separates outfit is embellished with Swarovski crystals on the tuxedo striped skinny pant and the bell sleeve of the belted top has beautiful crystal buttons.

MRS CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN:

A super comfy stretch jersey suit with herringbone pattern combined with baby blue accessories… Who would have thought??  Added twist, burgundy shoes and bag!!

 

Have fun with fashion!!  Combine color and pattern; masculine and feminine and you’ll have an unexpected, chic look!  All pieces in the post are Marc Cain and available at their store at The Westchester in White Plains, NY.

Wishing you the happiest holiday wherever your home may be!  I bid farewell to 2020 and welcome renewal and all happy, healthy things for you in 2021!!

Thanks for stopping by… Cynthia

Marc Cain Collaboration

Marc Cain is a German brand that has been in my local mall, The Westchester in White Plains, NY for a few years.  I am huge fan of the brand – love the fabrics, the styling, the tailoring, the mix of color and pattern that are trademarks of the brand.  Additionally, I love how they put a twist on the classics to make them more modern and feminine.  I now own a number of Marc Cain pieces (not everything shown in this post unfortunately) and I love taking my clients and friends to the store.

For the Marc Cain Collaboration photos, the outfits are styled by myself and Virginia, the stylish, helpful and knowledgeable Manager of the White Plains location.  (She’s also the photographer) All accessories are Marc Cain as well.  Our hope is to show that Marc Cain clothing looks great on regular women!

Marc Cain’s iconic leopard print is in the following 3 photos where we are showing the versatility of how one pair of wide-leg  trousers with a racing stripe can be worn 3 different ways.

1. The classic power suit worn with a scarf, classic black pump and smart handle, satchel bag.

2. Wide-leg trouser worn with an amazing second skin button-up turtleneck, black cashmere coat and black patent bootie.

3. Wide-leg trouser worn with a playful and practical double-zip windbreaker and a safari style shoulder bag.

The easy, leopard print tunic with pockets is a great addition to anyone’s wardrobe.  Here it’s paired with a black cashmere coat, and a gorgeous suede, block heel boot. But would also be great with a sneaker, ankle boot or heel.  The collar turns up to reveal a zebra print pattern.

This comfortable neoprene fabric mixed with sheer prints create an elegant look.  Pair with a classic cashmere coat and classic pump and handbag for a dressy look…

…or worn with over-the-knee boots and a vest for a chic, casual look.

Marc Cain offers a variety of dresses…this jersey maxi dress made up of semi-chromatic colors paired with diagonal stripes is a fun piece!  Worn with white patent booties, but can easily be worn with sneakers, knee-high boots or a heel.  The ultra lightweight puffer synches to compliment your shape.

The tunic dress synches at the waist and the floral print is inspired by the amaryllis belladonna flower of South Africa.

A Plaid coat in the same colors perfectly compliments the dress and easily transitions to Spring.

Modern suiting is a Marc Cain specialty!  This is a trouser and vest worn with their fabulous second skin turtleneck.  The pieces are great as separates as well!

If your looking for chic sportswear check out Marc Cain.  These neoprene joggers are flattering and can be worn super casual with sneakers or could be worn with the suiting vest above as an unexpected pairing.

An example of a great classic – Camel trousers, paired with a camel cashmere top coat worn with classic burgundy accessories, a leopard print silk scarf and white blouse.

Marc Cain offers beautiful fabrics, excellent tailoring, a modern take on suiting, a variety of dresses, great color options, fabulous outerwear, stylish sportswear, super essentials, gorgeous accessories, bags and footwear in a beautiful, full-service boutique setting.  Check them out at The Westchester Mall in White Plains or at a few other locations in the U.S.  Tell them Cynthia sent you…

Thank you for stopping by….Cynthia

 

 

Stacked Heel Sandals

Stacked Heel Sandals (aka Block Heels) are a Spring Trend I recommend because of their versatility and comfort – and they’re cute!  Stacked heels work with skirts, shorts, pants, dresses and, of course, denim (another hot Spring trend).  They come in many heights providing great options and they are comfortable because the heel offers more surface area for stability.

I’ve selected a few options I think would make great updates to a wardrobe.  They represent different price points but I feel all versatile depending on your personal style.  Click on the link above the photo to learn more about the selection or to purchase – all are available at Nordstrom.

 

Steve Madden ‘Carrson’ Sandal

block heels 1

 

Steve Madden ‘Irenee’ Ankle Strap Sandal

block heels 2

Lucky Brand ‘Toni’ Stacked Heel Sandal

_block heels 12

Ted Baker London ‘Lorno’ Sandal

block heels 3

Balenciaga Wood Heel Sandal

block heels 4

Burberry ‘Cashel’ Ankle Strap Sandal

block heels 5

Badgley Mischka ‘Clove’ Evening Sandal

block heels 6Dolce Vita ‘Lyndon’ Lace-Up Sandal

block heels 7

Steve Madden ‘Slinng’ Sandal

block heels 8

Steve Madden ‘Sofila’ Sandal

 

block heels 11

Vince Camuto ‘Ceara’ Sandalblock heel 14

AGL Attilio Giusti Leombruni ‘Coty’ Block Heel Sandal

block heels 13

Stuart Weitzman ‘Nearly Nude’ Ankle Strap Sandal

block heels 9

Ivanka Trump ‘Klover’ Block Heel Ankle Strap Sandal

block heels 10

Hope you will consider adding a stacked heel sandal to update your Spring (and summer) wardrobe!

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.

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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 Plaid Shoes

By now, considering this is my third post on the subject, one may have figured out that I’m mad for plaid!  Plaid is such a practical print, yet it can really make a statement – with simplicity and elegance.  Putting together an outfit where the shoe is the star makes getting dressed easy (and you will look pulled together effortlessly).  In all of the following instances wearing one column of color top to bottom with a plaid shoe would work.  However, imagine the following scenarios as an option for how to wear plaid shoes…all great for Fall and Winter and, of course, holiday gatherings! (Click on link below shoe for more info)
Prada Tartan Pump

Prada Tartan Pump

1.  Black, body-hugging dress with this Prada Tartan Pump…

Prada Tartan Bow FlatPrada Tartan Bow Flat

2. Black, ankle skimming pant and a short sleeve cashmere sweater with this Prada Tartan Bow Flat…

Nordstrom Kate Spade (Licorice Too)

Kate Spade New York ‘Licorice Too’ Pump

3.  Black pencil skirt with a cream colored bow neck blouse with Kate Spade New York’s ‘Licorice Too’ Pump…

Bettye Muller Ballard Pump

Bettye Muller ‘Ballard’ Pump

4. Ripped boyfriend or skinny style jean with a fitted black turtleneck and fur vest with Bettye Muller’s ‘Ballard’ Pump…

Charles by Charles David Pact Pump

Charles by Charles David Pact Pump

5. Dark ink wash skinny jean with a white turtleneck and a black leather jacket with Charles by Charles David Pact Pump…

Ivanka Trump Boni Pointy Toe Pump

Ivanka Trump ‘Boni’ Pointy Toe Pump

6. Red shift dress with Ivanka Trump’s ‘Boni’ Pointy Toe Pump…

Sophia Webster Leah Slingback Sandal

Sophia Webster ‘Leah’ Slingback Sandal

7. Elegant black cocktail dress with Sophia Webster’s ‘Leah’ Slingback Sandal…

Think you might add a plaid shoe to your wardrobe?

Thanks for stopping by…Cynthia

Ankle Booties

Ankle Booties are useful, versatile and add an instant update to your wardrobe! They can become the workhorse of your wardrobe because they can be worn with shorts, skirts, skinny jeans, flare jeans and they can totally chic up dresses!  They also span the seasons.

The ankle boots selected are diverse in price point and look, but similar in usefulness and adding a cool factor to your outfit!  If you buy one boot this Fall make it an ankle bootie!

Style a Summer Dress for Fall

Early Fall days in New York, and many parts of the country, begin chilly and end chilly but can get quite warm during mid-day.  While an Indian summer is wonderful, I am itching to start wearing my favorite Fall pieces by the end of September.  Until those leaves start to change color and cool Fall days arrive, style a summer dress for Fall by simply wearing an ankle boot!

When the Fall temperatures finally arrive add a jean jacket or cardigan sweater, layer a long-sleeved t-shirt or turtleneck under the dress, tie a scarf or hanky around your neck and add opaque tights.  Of course, adding a great pair of sunglasses always finishes off a look in any season!

By mixing summer pieces with cool weather pieces and wearing an ankle boot, you stretch your wardrobe, have an outfit that can accommodate the varying temperatures of the day and elevate your style!

Will you style a summer dress for Fall?

Keep an eye out next week for the beginning of a series on Fall Trends.  Thanks for stopping by…Cynthia
NORDSTROM - Shop Top Dresses for Fall

Chic and Comfortable Shoes

Chic and Comfortable Shoes — key criteria for making a footwear purchase!!  The five choices from Vince Camuto below fit the bill – they will elevate your outfit and you could walk for hours!

Which shoes will you choose this summer??