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

 

 

Effortless Summer Dressing

Do you want to look cool, fresh, chic, put-together, effortless and stylish this summer?  Then keep your clothing simple!

Summer dressing for me is about easy pieces that make you look like you tried but keep you feeling and looking fresh and cool all day.  Dresses and jumpsuits are are my staples in the summer – lightweight, flowing, looser fit are the qualities I tend to look for, especially for everyday.  Additionally, they are fun to accessorize with jewelry, shoes and handbags to change the look.

Here are a few selections (all Nordstrom) with links to purchase or more information:

I love a shirtdress!!  This can easily be worn with a sneaker, sandal, or bootie and it will transition well to the fall with a long sleeve top underneath or a jean jacket.

Lou & Grey Tie Shirtdress

Try a casual jumpsuit to change up your wardrobe.  Super comfortable, easy and cool because when it gets really humid your thighs won’t touch 🙂

Lou & Grey Brushmarl Jumpsuit

Midi-length dress – this one is intended as a beach cover but I love it as a dress too (love the pockets)!  Try wearing it with a bikini top in place of a bra.

TAVIK Serena Midi Cover Up

Casual body-con dress. This comes in numerous colors – great with flip flops, a sandal or a heel.

Leith Ruched Body-Con Tank Dress

A feminine wrap dress!  Flattering on so many body types and perfect for so many occasions.

Jason Wu X ELOQUII Floral Print Ruffle Trim Warp Dress

An breezy A-line!  When it’s hot you will look cool in this.

ALL SAINTS Romey Sleeveless High/Low Dress

A slip dress!  Going shopping or out to lunch?  This is so much cuter than shorts and a tee.

Reformation Halsten Slip Dress

Stylish Jumpsuit – If you don’t have one yet this is a piece to add to your wardrobe.  Don’t like to show your arms – wear with a light weight jacket, blazer or cropped cardigan.  There are many styles available in jumpsuits – there is one to fit your body type!

Reformation Gilda Crop Wide Leg Jumpsuit

Easy and effortless equals chic and fresh…Enjoy one-piece dressing for your most fabulous summer yet!

Thanks for stopping by….Cynthia

Christian Siriano

On February 9, I had the honor of attending Christian Siriano’s Fall 2019 Collection at New York Fashion Week presented at the Top of the Rock in New York City.  I became acquainted and quickly admired Christian when he was a contestant and youngest winner on the fourth season of Bravo’s American design competition show, Project Runway.

The Fall 2019 Collection showcased his whimsical and show-stopping designs – from fantasy evening gowns and cocktail dresses to tailored sportswear.  Christian said it was inspired by ” A trip to the future.  A world where we live as a society in an outer space land.  A new culture floating in space with communities and a thriving social calendar…” “The Collection is filled with silver hammered silks, voluminous dresses, quilted jackets and oversized evening gowns.”  He said, “I wanted the Collection to feel bold, powerful and strong but still feminine and beautiful.”

Christian Siriano has also been at the forefront of embracing and acknowledging the plus-size women, offering a selection of design options, as well as, featuring many plus-size models in his runway show.  The final look was worn by the stunning, plus-size supermodel, Ashley Graham.

The following looks were my favorites in the Fall 2019 Collection shown at NYFW.

SIRIANO FW19 NEW YORK FASHION WEEK 02/09/2019

SIRIANO FW19 NEW YORK FASHION WEEK 02/09/2019

SIRIANO FW19 NEW YORK FASHION WEEK 02/09/2019

SIRIANO FW19 NEW YORK FASHION WEEK 02/09/2019

SIRIANO FW19 NEW YORK FASHION WEEK 02/09/2019

SIRIANO FW19 NEW YORK FASHION WEEK 02/09/2019

SIRIANO FW19 NEW YORK FASHION WEEK 02/09/2019

SIRIANO FW19 NEW YORK FASHION WEEK 02/09/2019

SIRIANO FW19 NEW YORK FASHION WEEK 02/09/2019

SIRIANO FW19 NEW YORK FASHION WEEK 02/09/2019

SIRIANO FW19 NEW YORK FASHION WEEK 02/09/2019

SIRIANO FW19 NEW YORK FASHION WEEK 02/09/2019

SIRIANO FW19 NEW YORK FASHION WEEK 02/09/2019

SIRIANO FW19 NEW YORK FASHION WEEK 02/09/2019

Ashley Graham

SIRIANO FW19 NEW YORK FASHION WEEK 02/09/2019

The designer Christian Siriano at the end of the presentation.

SIRIANO FW19 NEW YORK FASHION WEEK 02/09/2019

Christian Siriano is carried at Neiman Marcus and other fine department stores.  Additionally, I can source pieces.

It was a thrill to experience the energy and to see the colorful, bold and feminine Collection walk down the runway.  I loved the Collection and feel Christian did a great job at designing silhouettes that work for every body type.

Thanks for stopping by….Cynthia

** All photos taken by Dan Lecca for Christian Siriano.

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.

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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