3 Ultra-Modern Ways to Wear a Jumpsuit

--By Kim Moshtaghi

I am so ecstatic that the jumpsuit is back in fashion. Whenever I see the trend resurfacing, I feel compelled to write about it.

In the past I only featured jumpsuits for the gal who has a longer torso and legs. Now more options exist for every gal, especially when paired with certain blazers that help tweak the look.

Overall, I think jumpsuits are as easy to throw on as a dress. But, jumpsuits will give you a different, empowering, sexy feel. However, I must state that wearing jumpsuits without heels is rarely an option. Check out some of my finds and surely you’ll migrate to one of these cute options.

My first feature is a nice example of how color blocking instantly glamorizes a look. This V-neckline long sleeve jumpsuit is a classic. The color blocking is along the sides with the black and white, and also along the black and yellowish color on the arms. I love the pockets and the ability to play with this look by adding a bold necklace as an accent piece, or try the teased combed hair with fabulous chandelier earrings.




→ Buy the BCBGMAXAZRIA Katharine Color-Blocked Jumpsuit, $268.00, at bcbg.com.

6 Relaxed Minimalist Finds from Aritzia

Do you shop at Aritzia? I hadn’t until just recently and, if I’m being honest, it’s because I had Aritzia all wrong. My bad.

Prior to this week, my limited exposure to the 30-year-old Vancouver-based boutique chain consisted of walking by the store in my local mall. I was under the impression it was more of a fast fashion shop, in the same league with Forever 21 or the fleet of strangely named “cheapie” shops that tend to pop up in malls. I was wrong.

Turns out Aritzia is more like a Euro-minimalist version of Anthropologie: a selection of high-quality house labels mixed with the occasional complementary contemporary brand. Plus, their online shopping experience is fabulously intuitive and detail-oriented. I’m a fan.

Which is all to say that I’m continuing my quest for affordable minimalist pieces in unexpected places with Aritzia, the mall store you never knew you loved. Check out my favorite finds…

1. Citizens of Humanity Corey Bourbon Jeans, $248.00
One of the few non-exclusive labels to grace the Aritzia e-racks is modern denim favorite Citizens of Humanity. The selection ranges from perfectly proportioned skinnies to these artfully distressed slim boyfriend jeans. I’d wear them with super pointy flats and a tee for a downtown take on the French Vogue-ette vibe.

Top 10 Chic Contemporary Sneakers for Spring

I don’t understand when stores group together minimally related pieces to create a story. The concept is good in the abstract, but rarely comes across as inspiring. But, unsurprisingly, Nordstrom gets it right more often than not.

Just this week Nordstrom pulled together fashion sneakers from high-end contemporary and designer labels to create a grouping of 132 ultra-chic sneaks, each one of which is more fabulous than the next. Not only did the theme make me want to buy every pair – so, clearly it served their retail purposes – it also got me excited for the next wave of last year’s skater sneaker craze.

I carefully sorted through the offerings and pulled out my top ten picks. Remember, Nordstrom offers free shipping and returns, so you get a bit of a break to offset the cost of a big name label pick. Let me know what you think…

The woven leather effect on these sneakers is second only to the three-strip Velcro closure in terms of uniqueness. They’re also available in black woven and natural canvas.




→ Buy the Rag & Bone Kent Low Top Sneaker, $395.00


These laid-back black leather sneakers get a punch from studs and white leather details.




→ Buy the Saint Laurent Studded Skate Slip-On Sneaker, $895.00

Loving This Week: Desert Floral Print Dress + Chic Zara Coats

I don’t wear a lot of bright color. Or prints. So imagine my surprise when my favorite shopping find of the week is a very colorful desert floral print dress. I’m still in shock, but I just can’t shake my love for this dress.

Don’t worry, the rest of my favorites, while demonstrating marginally more color that my usual picks, fit nicely in a modern minimalist wardrobe. I didn’t go completely crazy on you. Check out what’s hanging out in my online shopping cart this week…

1. Tracy Reese Cactus Flower Print Stretch Crepe Dress, $348.00
Floral prints are huge for spring, but I can’t stomach a traditional flower motif. Enter this unconventional dress, which features desert flowers in an earthy color palette of mustard, ochre, grape, and several shades of green. This is my kind of floral. And then there’s that unexpected black mesh back. Yep, Tracy Reese managed to combine the sporty and floral trends into one piece. Amazing.

Extra 40% Off Sale Items at Banana Republic and How to Use It

So, Banana Republic is having one of those crazy sale + coupon code combo deals where you can suddenly score a sweater for under $30. Through Sunday, 2/22, just add coupon code BREXTRA to your order and you’ll get an extra 40% off over 200 sale styles.

Want a shortcut to smart deal? Check out these favorite finds from the sale on sale section:

This oh-so-Vince slouchy turtleneck is my top pick of the pack. There’s still enough winter left to make good use of it, plus the classic style will still be relevant come fall. It’s available in charcoal grey, black, and off white.




→ Buy the Banana Republic Chunky Cowl Pullover, $39.99 - $83.99 (was $89.50; $23.99 – 50.39 after coupon).

6 Modern Minimalist Finds from Abercrombie & Fitch (No Joke!)

In the newest installment in my quest to find affordable minimalist fashion basics in unexpected places, I decided to give myself a real challenge: Abercrombie & Fitch. Could I find chic, grown up items in the store best known for piped-in perfume, shirtless door models, and relentlessly marketing to over-sexed teens? This was going to be a great experiment.

I have to admit, I had a hint that I might be successful thanks to a recent Bloomberg Business article on Abercrombie & Fitch’s declining profits and bevy of employment discrimination lawsuits. In a last ditch effort to save the storied brand – it once counted Ernest Hemingway, Teddy Roosevelt, and Charles Lindbergh as customers – focus has been shifted to more logo-less basics; brighter, less heavily perfumed storefronts; and a more inclusive attitude.

As good as that shift sounds on paper, has it translated into shopping reality? I hit up the online store to find out and was pleasantly surprised with the diverse selection. In no time my cart was full of casual minimalist basics completely devoid of annoying logos and perfectly suited to my luxe-leaning grown up tastes. Check out my favorite finds and let me know if you agree…

1. Abercrombie & Fitch Lightweight Hi-Lo Hem Tank, $28.00
This just-barely-transparent tee comes in a neutral palette of black, grey, and white. It’s perfect for layering with jackets or sweaters thanks to the low back hem and slim silhouette.

Rebecca Minkoff Handbags On Sale Now at Saks

Just in case this past weekend’s monster sales didn’t suck you in, I have one more great deal for you to consider. I just found a nice selection of Rebecca Minkoff bags – and we’re talking the new styles here – on sale at Saks Fifth Avenue.

There are 17 different handbag styles on sale, but these 5 options stood out to me as being the best deals of the bunch. If a new purse is on your horizon, definitely check out these before you pay full price.

The new range of quilted RM bags do strike me as more than a little inspired by Chanel. But, this particular handbag doesn’t come across as an obvious knock-off. The dove grey leather paired with the silvertone hardware is a particularly chic combination.




→ Buy the Rebecca Minkoff Mini Quilted Affair Shoulder Bag, $136.50 (was $195.00), at saks.com.

Loving This Week: Slouchy Repair Jeans + Guipure Lace Top

Although there isn’t really a theme to this week’s picks, there is a stand out find: the Zara lace top. Regular readers know I’m not much for lace, ruffles, and other obviously feminine details. But, there’s something kind of dark and old world about this particular lace pattern that feels just right to me. It’s a great find at a typically excellent Zara price.

Check out what else is floating around in my online shopping cart this week…

1. Zara Combined Guipure Lace Top, $49.90
The spiderweb-like pattern of this guipure lace vibes more sinister than overtly feminine, which I find incredibly attractive. I’m willing to throw aside my general dislike of lace for the moment and embrace this new blouse. I’m picturing it paired with distressed boyfriend jeans and boots, for an extra measure of balance.

Why Fabletics Workout Clothing Lives Up to the Hype

--By Kim Moshtaghi

I’m sure you’ve seen the Fabletics commercials before. Kate Hudson makes exercise look as enticing as eating a nice dinner.

I’m not the only one who thinks the commercials are a hit either. My girlfriends, Erin and Caitlin Copley, highly recommend the site. Apparently, Kate Hudson’s glowing face is an accurate depiction of what this wonderful line entails. Caitlin says, “I love it because it is affordable and good quality clothing. I think the right workout outfit can give you an extra boost and I usually perform better when I feel comfortable in my workout gear. The stylists constantly add new colors and patterns that I don’t really see in retail stores. They email you each month to let you know you about new products/ deals.”

I think most of us have experienced the boost we get from wearing workout clothes that make it easier to transition into a post-workout salad with a friend. A cheerful outfit can positively affect your overall passion and purpose to get the workout done!

Since I wear fitted bottoms, I tend to wear looser tops. So I am starting off by showcasing a hip, fashionable top. I like feeling a breeze during my workouts. This Fabletics top is trendy with the draped, crossover back. This will cool you off and give your look some sass.




→ Buy the Fabletics Taylor Tank, $34.95 ($19.95 with VIP subscription), at fabletics.com.

5 Best Clothing Bets from the Nordstrom Clearance Sale

It’s that time again. The Nordstrom Clearance Sale is in full swing and the deals are plentiful. Maybe too plentiful.

There are literally thousands of items on sale. 8,053 items to be exact (as of this writing). In an effort to narrow down the options, I focused on clothing in the Contemporary section, better known to the Nordstrom faithful as where T.B.D. meets Savvy with a side of Via C. That was plenty for me to tackle in a single sitting. I waded through pages and pages of goods and came up with these five can’t-miss finds.

This natural colored merino wool cardigan has a timeless, vaguely Chanel-inspired look. The gunmetal hardware is a particularly nice detail – not nearly as garish as a gold or silver would be against the pale knit. Wear it with jeans for a pulled together casual Friday work look.




→ Buy the Ella Moss Mya Raw Edge Open Front Cardigan, $172.80 (was $288.00), at nordstrom.com; shipping and returns are free.

6 Sharp Minimalist Finds from French Connection

In my ongoing quest to find affordable minimalist clothing options in conventional places – what can I say, I like a challenge – I took a virtual stroll around French Connection.

Surprisingly, the store that brought us those obnoxious “FCUK” logo tee shirts actually delivers pretty well in the minimalist department. I found sharp pieces that will work well for occasions when a downtown-chic vibe is in order, including three pants options that range from casual, to work, to night out. Check out my finds:

1. French Connection Valentine Boxy T-Shirt, $59.99 (was $98.00)
I wish there was a better full-length photo of this tee, so you could see the front seam and v-shaped detail. But, that’s the beauty of this tee – the seams are so subtle that you’ll have to be up close to appreciate the thought that went into the design. Oh-so-minimalist, right? Bonus points for the great sale price.

Loving This Week: Linen-Blend Sale Finds + a Cheeky Necklace

Without even trying, this week’s finds are all of the bargain-priced variety. And they’re all good options for the winter into spring transition. Here’s what’s happening in my online shopping cart this week…

1. Azalea Ives Duster Coat, $79.00
On the one hand, this coat is 100% polyester. On the other hand, it’s pretty fabulous looking and insanely inexpensive. It’s not going to last forever, but that’s ok. Altogether, it’s a smart option for spring.

8 Must-Have Wardrobe Basics from Everlane

Are you an Everlane fan yet? I’m in love with this San Francisco-based line, for many reasons, and I think you’re going to love it just as much as I do.

First, there are the clothes. Gorgeous, well-constructed minimalist basics made from luxe materials. Lush seasonal colors live alongside a range of closet-staple neutrals. And the selection is supremely well-edited – there are never more than a few dozen styles on sale at one time.

Then there’s the business model. Everlane is built on the concept of “radical transparency,” in both their factories and their pricing. Each item includes a statement about the location of the factory that produced it and why Everlane chose that factory. You can also get detailed factory information, including size, worker profile, and photos of the craftspeople at work.

Each item also includes a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with creating that item, including things like the cost of the materials and transportation. You know upfront exactly what kind of profit Everlane is making, as well as what the traditional retail price would be for a similar item. The result? Insanely affordable pieces you can feel good about buying.

Although I can’t find fault with a single item on the Everlane site right now, I narrowed down the current selection to 8 items that are real must-have wardrobe basics. I think you’ll be pleased…

This fine-knit merino wool sweater is crafted from Italian wool in Dongguan, China. I love the slouchy fit and just barely transparent weave, which gives off a classically luxurious vibe.




→ Buy the Everlane Luxe Long Sleeve Sweater, $72.00, at everlane.com.

Classy, Sassy Valentine's Day Dresses

--By Kim Moshtaghi

Valentine’s Day may not be a priority in your mind, but, whether you are dodging it or partaking in the celebration of love and affection, there is no denying that the pink and red family of colors excite our eyes. With all sorts of shades of pink and red to choose from, I guarantee you can find a color that will make you ease into spring and maybe even get some admiration from it.

First up let’s play with your girly side. I love this cutesy flare dress with a bowtie and the cutout sides. I believe this dress is extra appealing because of the peekaboo effect with the light pink poking through the darker hue. Wear this sassy number with silver or tan shoes and/or cater it to your specific plans. This is a lovely choice because you can potentially wear this through the end of summer.




→ Buy the BCBGMAXAZRIA Kathryne Side Cutout Bow-Front Dress, $178.80 (was $298.00), at bcbg.com.

6 Casual Minimalist Finds from Gap

In my ongoing quest to find gorgeous, affordable minimalist fashion in unexpected places, I just took a virtual stroll through Gap. I was surprised to find not only a few smart clothing options, but also a couple accessories worth a second look.

If you’ve been paying attention to retail news lately, you know Gap has been experiencing a bit of an identity crisis. I was excited when they hired Rebekka Bay, the woman who conceptualized and launched COS, one of my go-to stores for budget minimalist buys. But, I should have known that European minimalism would not mesh well with the all-American brand. Her role was eliminated just last week.

It will be interesting to see where the brand heads next. In the meantime, wading through the completely erratic mix of styles on Gap’s virtual racks yields some casual minimalist buys. Check out my favorite new finds, and remember you can get 30% off your order through 2/4 with coupon code DEAL.

1. Gap Crop Tee, $19.95
This simple cropped pima cotton tee, available in both black and white, has elbow-length sleeves and a dropped shoulder. Wear it as-is in summer, or use it as an unexpected layering piece for winter and spring. I’d pull it on over a slim fit long-sleeve tee for a funky layered look.

Loving This Week: Chic Spring Espadrilles + Anti-Lingerie

The sad lack of rain here in Northern California has led me to give up on winter. I’m moving on to spring, and that means new espadrilles and a chic spring jacket. Plus, I’ve discovered a brand new lingerie line that is absolutely gorgeous and perfectly minimalist.

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

1. Qupid Dillion Espadrille, $78.00
January has passed without a single drop of rain falling in San Francisco. I’m officially giving up on winter and moving on to spring. Espadrilles are a perfect first spring purchase – you know you’ll use them, and you don’t have to worry about them going out of style before the end of the season. This inexpensive pair has just the right mix of classic good looks and modern flair.