Best in Black: REISS New Arrivals

If you love timeless, well-crafted separates, Duchess Kate favorite REISS is a label worth your attention.

UK-based REISS has been in business since 1971, but just recently found a following in the U.S. thanks to the above mentioned royal fan. I find that their dresses and coats are particularly strong. And, I won’t lie, I love that they make a lot of black clothes. I recently took a spin around their new arrivals section and found more than a few basic black options that turned my head. Check out my favorite new finds…

This mid-weight crepe dress is a perfect wear to work staple. It’s slim enough to be flattering, but still very appropriate for daytime, and can be easily transformed by changing up accessories. It’s also available in a pale glacier blue shade.




→ Buy the REISS Alana Structured Fit and Flare Dress, $320.00, at reiss.com.

Classic Furla Handbags 40% Off at Saks

If you asked me to list the best affordable classic handbag lines, Italian-made Furla would be one of the first labels on my list. Their handbag shapes are timeless, but fall short of obviously knocking off higher-end bags, and they are always available in a nice range of both neutral and bright colors. Plus, Furla’s price point is firmly in the budget-friendly under-$500 bucket.

If a classic leather bag is on your shopping list, you’re going to love this stash of Furla bags I found at Saks Fifth Avenue’s online outlet. They currently have in stock 52 handbags, totes, and wallets, all marked 40% off retail price. There is a lot to choose from, so I picked my five favorite classic bags in can’t-miss colors to share with you. Check them out…

1. Furla D-Light Saffiano Leather Tote Bag, $178.49 (was $298.00)
This leather tote is absolutely perfect for commuting to work. The roomy 12”W x 12”H x 5.5”D size will hold files, papers, and even a tablet. The protective feet will give a little extra cover while schlepping it to and fro, and the 9” drop in the double top handles will accommodate your bulkiest coat. Plus, it has a secure top zip closure, which I’ve found is kind of rare for large totes.

Loving This Week: Silk Jumpsuit + Fashion for Your FitBit

This week I finally found a stylish way to rock a FitBit. A pair of local San Francisco fashionistas – one from Gap, one from Bloomie’s – started an Indiegogo campaign to fund a line of downtown-chic FitBit bracelets and pendants. It made my week. I’m so excited.

Check out all of the finds that made their way into my online shopping cart this week…

1. Emerson Fry Sabbia Shirt Hem Dress, $98.00 (was $248.00)
This sale-priced find from Emerson Fry would fit well in just about any wardrobe. The clean lines suit my minimalist-leaning personal style perfectly, but it would also be a smart classic addition to any well-assembled wardrobe. The sale price is fantastic, and it’s still available in a wide range of sizes.

Here’s How to Wear the Slit Skirt Right Now

--By Kim Moshtaghi

The slit is back with a vengeance. Ever since Angelina started wearing them, designers can’t stop showing off their expertise for designing the perfect slit. The slit has come a long way and today I plan on featuring slits for the everyday gal.

This pink maxi allows you to keep a lot to the imagination, but also exudes a pop of sexiness because the slit will make you reveal some leg action. I guess this is why I chose to feature it. It’s got a round and conservative neckline but is offset by its bright pink color. I like the fact that it is appropriate for many functions but still allows you to be bold, beautiful, and playful.




→ Buy the BCBGMAXAZRIA Jenine High-Slit Pleated Skirt Maxi Dress, $338.00, at bcbg.com.

5 Stunning Minimalist Finds from Banana Republic

Anyone else notice that most mainstream, affordable American labels do not have a strong selection of minimalist pieces? There are plenty of European minimalist options – Zara, & Other Stories, COS, and the like. But there is not a lot to choose from at your average American mall store.

I suspect this is because the stark, architectural look of minimalist fashion is not as popular with mainstream America as it is with the European market counterpart. It makes economic sense for the stores, I’m sure. But it frustrates me. Absent a bottomless bank account, a girl can’t live on Helmut Lang and Saint Laurent alone.

So, in the interest of filling out a wardrobe without dropping a lot of cash, I like hunt for minimalist finds in unexpected places. This week, that was Banana Republic, which has lately been the home of khaki pants, ruffles, and floral prints. Ugh. Unbelievably, I found five pieces that would be just as at home at Ssense or The Dreslyn as good old BR. Plus, you can get 40% off full-priced items with code BRTIME through 1/25.

Check out my bargain-priced finds and let me know what you think…

1. Banana Republic Light Silk Tunic, $89.50
This simple silk popover tunic is practically begging to be paired with skinny leather pants and boots. Bonus downtown-chic points for the fact that the model looks like a lost member of the Roitfeld clan.

Work-Ready Diane von Furstenberg Dresses 30-40% Off

What better way to celebrate a back-to-work Tuesday than with a little workwear sale shopping? The Neiman Marcus online outlet has a good selection of work-appropriate Diane von Furstenberg dresses marked down right now.

Diane von Furstenberg first burst onto the fashion scene in the 1970s with her iconic silk jersey wrap dress. It was a modern work uniform for the modern working woman. While the wrap dress has maintained popularity over the decades, she has become well-known for crafting dresses of all shapes that are crazy flattering. I love that I can always pick up a DvF dress in my size and, without fail, it fits and looks amazing. I can’t recommend her dresses highly enough

So, let’s get on with our sale shopping. Check out my top sale-priced DvF picks…

This simple, sleek cap sleeve dress is definitely my top pick of the sale. The silhouette is classic and the addition of the sleeve, as slight as it is, makes it appropriate for most offices. This deep purple shade is gorgeous, and it’s also available in a pretty blue and can’t-miss black.




→ Buy the Diane von Furstenberg Boat Neck Cap Sleeve Dress, $229.00 (was $328.00), at lastcall.com.

Loving This Week: Black Diamonds + Un-Basic Sunglasses

I’m having a bit of an accessories moment. Without trying, I keep finding the exact accessories I have been searching for over the past year or so.

A perfectly minimalist rose gold and black diamond ring turned up at a favorite local San Francisco shop. A pair of sunglasses that are insanely chic, and fall far from “basic” status, dropped into the new arrivals section at one of my go-to NYC retailers. It’s really has been a great shopping week.

Check out what’s in my online shopping cart this week…

1. Saint Laurent Classic 2 Sunglasses, $325.00
I used to be so much better about switching up my sunglasses game each season. Then I fell in love with a pair of oversized square Chloe glasses and got stuck. I’m on the hunt for a pair of sunglasses that are timelessly chic, but completely different from the old standbys (e.g., aviators need not apply). This stunning Saint Laurent pair is just what I’ve been searching for: simple, sophisticated, and fresh.

Trend: Wide Leg Trousers Stage a Comeback

--By Kim Moshtaghi

The wide leg pant is all the rage for 2015 and I am so glad it is back!

The wide leg pant comes in different sub-styles that make it easier to choose a style that will fit your body type. Contrary to belief, the wide leg pant can accentuate your waist and lengthen your body instantly when worn correctly and with confidence.

I love this pant in longer lengths for work. It allows ladies who love high heels to wear them without feeling over dressed and over the top. I see the cropped wide leg pant also making a comeback, although the weather is still cooler. I have a feeling we will see more of this in the spring when getting airflow becomes more of a priority.

Bloomingdales is a great one-stop shop to start your wide leg pant hunt. With various designers it makes it easier to find something suitable for all.

White is still relevant this season. In fact it’s acceptable year round now, ladies. The old school “white rules” no longer apply. It’s a staple color, as it should be. It helps bring a refreshed, crisp look to an outfit. The Halston Heritage wide leg pant is gorg! It’s ultra stylish with its faux leather and gold tone side buckles, along with two slit pockets. This is a must have for your closet!




→ Buy the Halston Heritage Buckle Detail Wide Leg Trousers, $375.00, at bloomingdales.com.

40% Off Marc by Marc Jacobs Handbags at Saks

Looking to score a great designer handbag deal in the New Year? Saks Fifth Avenue’s online outlet has just stocked 20 new Marc by Marc Jacobs handbags, each marked 40% off retail price. Plus, every one of the bags ships for free with code SHIP75.

The bags range from leather backpacks, to messenger bags, to more traditional shoulder bag shapes. I’m not much for the schoolgirl throwback looks, but the shoulder bags and satchels are very tempting. Check out my favorites here:

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Leather Tote Bag, $322.49 (was $538.00)
This oversized tote in a goes-with-everything rootbeer brown shade would make a great work bag. At 16”w x 15”h x 4”d, this bag will nicely fit file folders, full-size notepads, and perhaps even a smaller laptop or tablet. It comes with both a shoulder strap and top handles, for carrying ease.

Extra 30% Off Sale Items at Need Supply and How to Use It

Super fabulous online shopping destination Need Supply has just released a very limited time coupon code that will get you an extra 30% off already reduced Sale items. I do love a good sale on sale deal. Let’s shop!

Are you familiar with Need Supply? This Richmond, Virginia-based store offers a strong selection of well-known contemporary brands alongside domestic and international independent labels. If I had to quickly describe their aesthetic, I’d call it downtown-chic. I put Need Supply in the same category with stores like The Dreslyn and Ssense. Intrigued? Check out my favorite sale on sale finds for a bargain-priced taste.

Remember to use coupon code EXTRA30 through midnight ET on Thursday, January 15, to score an extra 30% off sale items.

The elastic cuff on these distressed straight leg jeans makes for a unique look that’s not over the top. I’d pair these jeans with a slouchy tee and blazer for a casual workplace look.




→ Buy the 3x1 Straight Leg with Elastic Cuff Jeans, $155.39 after coupon (was $295.00), at needsupply.com.

5 Late Winter Dream Jackets

--By Kim Moshtaghi

The ultimate jacket is one click away.

Different colors and unique cuts inspire me during my least favorite months. I don’t enjoy cold weather but I don’t let it ruin my fashion vibe. Although a one stop shop for the “it” jacket of the season does not exist, I won’t stop trying to find one. Whether you wear one to keep you warm, or let it define the whole look, you should check out some of my jacket finds. I focused more on shorter crop jackets as opposed to the longer coats.

My first pick is pretty generic. The reason it made the cut is purely because of its awesome color. I love this cognac, dark-hued tan color. It’s gorgeous and very flattering on most people. Surprisingly, it matches most colors and patterns. Try it and you will be impressed. It’s supposed to fit snug so buyer beware -- don’t buy this to wear over too many layers as you may find it will look make you look frumpy.




→ Buy the Lauren Ralph Lauren Micro Quilted Leather Moto Jacket, $296.98 (was $495.00), at nordstrom.com; shipping and returns are free.

Loving This Week: Silver Talon Ring + Pleated Midi Wonder Dress

This week I wanted to make a point of visiting some of my favorite online stores that I haven’t dropped by in a while, like Sandro and All Saints. The result is a couple of fabulous sale finds that I would have otherwise missed, and one seriously cool white button down shirt.

Here’s what’s happening in my online shopping cart this week…

1. Sandro Rickie Pleated Midi Dress, $247.50 (was $495.00)
This midi dress strikes me as an effortless blend of elegance and modernity. The fabric strip upper portion shows just enough skin to balance out the otherwise quite demure silhouette, and the pleated skirt is oh-so-trendy. I’d pair this with simple black strappy heels for a gorgeous, sophisticated look.

5 Chic Finds from the Massive Maison Scotch Sale

I find Maison Scotch, the women’s line from Amsterdam-based Scotch & Soda, a bit overwhelming. The pieces range from youthful logo-wear, to feminine floral prints, to minimalist basics. And it’s all rolled together into a massive online shopping experience shared with the men’s and kids’ lines. There is just so much stuff.

The currently running Winter Sale is similarly overwhelming. There is a lot to see. After cruising through the hundreds of sale-priced items twice, I narrowed down my picks to five super chic, timeless items that vibe with my own minimalist-leaning aesthetic. Check them out and let me know what you think…

This stretch blazer has a unique shape that feels a bit vintage, but is sleek enough to not come off as costume-y. The wool/ cotton/ poly blend should wear nicely. I’d pair it with a tee and jeans to let the jacket take center stage.




→ Buy the Maison Scotch Stretch Wool Mix Blazer, $115.00 (was $229.00), at scotch-soda.com.

Loving This Week: Uniqlo’s Newest Tee + Pointy Toe Flats

A couple new sale finds, and my ongoing search for the most perfect point-toe flat ever, take center stage in this week’s online shopping finds. Plus, Uniqlo’s newest spring tee style is a definitely a must-buy, and deserves a special shout-out.

Here’s what’s taking up space in my online shopping cart this week…

1. COS Textured Front Sweatshirt, $62.00 (was $89.00)
This sale find combines a relaxed-fit sweatshirt with a wool-mix front panel for extra texture and a touch of luxe appeal. I like it for weekend wear or a casual office look – picture it with cropped trousers. It’s available in this black-on-black version, my personal favorite, or a heather grey sweatshirt with beige texture panel.

6 Classic Books for Style Resolution Success in the New Year

A new year means a new outlook, right? You've got your resolutions all in a row. And, like most devout fashionistas, I bet you've got a style resolution or two tucked away on your list. Right there next to the standard resolution to eat more healthy, the vow to exercise every day at the crack of dawn and the Bridget Jones-style promise to avoid all emotional fuckwits. Well, at least the style resolution stands the chance of making it past January.

Whether you've decided to finally clean out your overstuffed closet, or have set out on a full-blown fashion identity quest, there's sure to be a guide that's perfect for helping you to achieve style resolution success. Here are some favorites direct from my own bookshelf. Happy reading.


1. What You Wear Can Change Your Life - by Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine
This out-of-print wonder is still my favorite book for the basics of putting together an outfit that is flattering. The best part is a super in-depth, illustrated explanation of which colors go well together. I can't recommend it enough.




→ Buy What You Wear Can Change Your Life, from $1.12, at amazon.com.


2. The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own - by Nina Garcia
If you've resolved to build a classic wardrobe that will serve you well for years, this is your book. Nina Garcia has created a classic wardrobe shopping list that is second to none.

 
 

→ Buy The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own, $16.98, at amazon.com.