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

Red Rocks – JCrew Event – Looks 3 and 4

Red Rocks!!  It’s great as the main event or the perfect accent color.

I will be at JCrew New Canaan, CT – TOMORROW, Wednesday, December 12 for a Special Color Style Focus Event:   10:30-2pm/24 Elm Street, New Canaan, CT.  I would love to assist you putting together a great look using color or a thoughtful gift!

Be sure to :  “Mention Cynthia Hudson and in addition to promotional discounts get another 20% off your purchase of $125 or more and a FREE JCrew tote bag”

Red Rocks as the main event in the first JCrew look here.

I styled it as an outfit which could be worn any cold day, as a really great sport spectator look or heading to cut down the Christmas tree outfit.  Layered with a cozy and trendy sherpa toggle coat over a classic wool fair isle sweater with red accessories, curvy toothpick jeans and awesome Nordic boots (love the red laces).  Of course, you need your cool sunnies too!

SHOP THE LOOK – below pics of this look.

Sherpa Toggle Coat

Crewneck sweater in vintage fair isle

Curvy toothpick denim

Ribbed beanie with faux-fur pom pom

Glitten glove in cashmere blend

Nordic Boots

Sunglasses (similar)

The following JCrew look started out as a dressy look with the burnout velvet leopard skirt and sequined cable knit sweater with chandelier earrings but then by pairing it with the silver bootie (my own) and camp socks it went much less serious – I love it for a party but also as a unique day look too.

Red Rocks here as the accent color in the sunglasses, the coat and the socks.

SHOP THE LOOK – below photos

A touch of whimsy with the camp socks.

Wear a beret and the look goes French chic!

The sweater has beautiful details – the sequins make it a sweater you can dress up.

Cable-knit sequin sweater

Slip skirt in burnout velvet leopard

Daphne topcoat in Italian boiled wool

Loopy stitch oversized cable-knit scarf

Camp socks

Beret (similar)

Crystal and pearl chandelier earrings

Seaside Round Cateye Sunglasses

Harper continental wallet in metallic Italian leather

Remember RED ROCKS!!  Hope to see you tomorrow and thanks for stopping by….Cynthia

Styling with Color – Look 2

Styling with color is a fun and creative process.  I think most people default to typical and quiet combinations.  Clearly some colors compliment eachother and others do not – but I dare you to push the envelope and create a bit of surprise with your outfits.

The JCrew outfit here, styled for a casual party or even a meal out, combines a dressier, stiffer, lace fabric in the trouser with a super cozy, soft turtleneck sweater.  A more common decision would be to  dress up the red lace pant.  By combining a stiff fabric with a soft sweater in a warm color, like camel, relaxes the outfit and makes it feel more casual.  It also makes the pant more versatile.  By pairing with an unexpected combination of accessories like a tartan scarf and leopard print shoes and gloves makes the outfit more interesting.

Try styling with color by pairing combos you would not normally put together and combine a dressier piece with a casual piece – it will open up a whole new wardrobe world!!

Follow my instagram @cynhudstyle for looks and inspiration.

And find details about an upcoming event at JCrew, New Canaan, CT on Wednesday, December 12, 2018.

SHOP THE LOOK – see links below photos.

Lace Pant

Turtleneck sweater with side slits in supersoft yarn

Tartan scarf

Italian Calf Hair Touch Leather Tech Gloves

Cabana Reader Sunglasses

Earrings (similar)

Block heel pumps in leopard (similar)

I hope you are going to challenge yourself to try new color combinations?  Thanks for stopping by…Cynthia

Men’s Holiday Style

The holidays are creeping in quickly so now is the time for you to be thinking about stepping up your holiday style game!  The key to looking put together is wearing clothing that fits you properly.  The minute you step out in properly fitting clothes you will feel SO much more confident and carry yourself taller!!

Tips for Men’s Holiday Style: Wear classic pieces with a twist like a blazer styled as a tuxedo, velvet sportcoats, monochromatic combinations.

Here are a few ideas for dressy and casual holiday looks, as well as, formal occasions:

Navy blazer styled as a tuxedo with a black silk peak lapel and flap pockets.  Worn here with a custom black stretch cotton button down with smoke buttons.  Can wear this with dark jeans, a black 5-pocket or with matching trouser.

A grey velvet blazer worn over a black button down with black trousers. Pop of color with a pocket square.

Navy tuxedo worn with classic black bow tie and clean front formal white shirt and silver studs.

Casual look for a holiday get-together.  Custom Gingham shirt over a cashmere v-neck with our custom Tech Field jacket.

Layering looks great!  Custom henley underneath a custom casual shirt topped with our custom Reversible Vest.

Casual holiday shirting – looks great with sweaters, denim, vests…

Grey velvet double breasted blazer styled with a peak lapel worn with a custom classic plaid button down.

A less formal tuxedo look:  Classic black tuxedo paired with a custom stretch navy cotton shirt and bow tie.

Winter white tuxedo jacket worn with a white button down.

Hope you are you inspired to step your style up for the holidays?!

I want to help you PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD.  If you live in Westchester County, NY, Fairfield County, CT or New York City I can assist you with my concierge-style personal shopping service.  In addition to pulling from stores if desired, I carry the largest custom, lifestyle menswear brand, JHilburn.  We offer everything from t-shirts to tuxedoes with the finest Italian fabrics and superb quality all at a great value.  Will visit you at home, office or NYC showroom and you can avoid the hassle of shopping in a store.

Wives and significant others – give your guy a gift card to get him started.

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy and healthy and happy holiday season!!   Cynthia

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

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

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Contrast Velvet Dress

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Short Sequin Dress

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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