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Can changing your wardrobe really change your life? Of course it can! Imagine how light and powerful you would feel if 100% of the clothes in your closet were the right clothes for you right now. Imagine that your wardrobe reflected both your personality and your personal style, while suiting your lifestyle. That, ladies and gentlemen, is called Real Life Style. Want to be able to look and feel put together in just 2 minutes a day? You can.

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Wednesday, December 19, 2012

More Holiday Party Looks

The Holiday Season isn't over yet! Don't get stuck with nothing to wear! There are still so many more parties to attend and celebrations to have. But for those of you who think you've already worn your entire wardrobe in front of family and friends, get inspired by these six color stories. From cocktail to formal or business casual, these colors will make your holiday outfits stand out from the crowd!

Oxblood is the color of Fall/Winter 2012. Burgundy is Oxblood's cheerier cousin and a perfect wintertime color story. This daytime outfit shows you how easy it is to use colorblocking so that you don't end up looking like a blob of burgundy. 



Pantone has announced that emerald will be the color of 2013. Didn't we predict it here first, dear readers? See my previous blog on emerald. Get a head start and go for green this holiday party season. And green isn't just for the clothes--accessorize with a green clutch and cocktail ring! 



Midnight Blue brings the va va voom to black-tie dressing. This velvet dress is rich and warm from the color alone, so you don't have to complicate it with accessories. See how inexpensive this dress is!
Adrianna Papell Draped One Shoulder Velvet Blouson Gown $168
Frieda and Nellie Blue Braided Earrings $238
Badgley Mischka Vita Pump $215



When you're letting a color inspire your look, you don't have to stick to one shade. In this outfit, the inspiration is purple, but I use all different shades to make a complex layered look.




Black is a color too, no? Black, AKA the signature color of New York City, never gets tired if you do it right. It's flattering, chic, and sophisticated. When you add different materials and patterns--like on these tights--you create a fun, interesting black outfit that works from day-to-night. 



The combination of black and gold is classic. The gold really makes this outfit pop like champagne on New Year's Eve! The velvet floral jeans make this outfit casual but cool. 







Thursday, December 13, 2012

Cruelty-Free Fashion Is Fabulous

This post is for Erin B. and Alissa B! It's almost 2013, and who isn't thinking about how to be kinder to the environment? Even the fashion industry has become more eco-conscious. One of the biggest ways that designers have instituted better practices is in making cruelty-free pieces. These pieces are great for everyone, not just practicing vegans! They're often more affordable as well. Faux fur isn't new, but it used to be like the inexpensive stepchild of fur--now, it looks so good that it's a trend on its own! So if you want clothes or accessories with the look of fur, leather, or snakeskin, but couldn't imagine actually buying real ones, cruelty-free fashion has become a chic, simple alternative. Here are some cruelty-free essentials:

ASOS works a lot with faux leather, and the results are winners. This small satchel is perfect for traveling light when walking around the city all day. Love the scalloping detail!



This larger satchel is good for when you need a bit more bag... Cornelia Guest, once known as a socialite, has gotten a lot of press recently for her cruelty-free designs. Her bags are now carried at stores like Bloomingdales and Intermix.



Olsen Haus makes cruelty-free, vegan shoes and accessories that would be right at home on the floor at Barneys. These heels fit the colorblocking trend we've been seeing all season. 




Make an entire outfit with faux fur and show the snow who's boss!




Kate Spade is another designer who has shown her passion for cruelty-free fashion. As a sucker for real vintage coats, I love this faux vintage, faux fur-trimmed option!





You can start your children shopping for cruelty-free fashion while they're still young! Ralph Lauren went fur-free in 2006, and he's been designing adorable pieces with faux fur ever since. 




Sometimes, you just need to add a little edge to your wardrobe. Gunas makes edgy bags that are totally luxurious, and totally cruelty-free. 




Stella McCartney took a staunch stand at the beginning of her career to never use fur or leather. These faux leather and suede wedge booties are on-trend, eco-friendly... and on sale!



So cozy! This coat is kind of amazing. Its oversized shape and faux fur make it very this season, plus it looks super comfortable and the grey will match everything!




Matt & Nat, the name of this vegan brand that is sold at places like Urban Outfitters, comes from "Mat(t)erial and Nature." This satchel is a knockout--hip and stylish, practical and affordable. 



HAPPY SHOPPING!







Thursday, December 6, 2012

Neiman Marcus + Target + 24 Awesome Designers = The Best Hi-Lo Collaboration Ever

On Dec 1st, a beautiful thing happened. Target and Neiman Marcus partnered to launch the Holiday 24. If you have read my blog loyally, you know that I have a big weakness for a good partnership, and an even bigger weakness for telling you about great deals! This partnership was perfectly timed and perfectly executed. Basically, 24 amazing designers created one or more exclusive pieces of clothing for adults and kids, housewares, luggage, and so much more! Many items are already sold out online already, but you can probably still find them in store at Target and Neiman Marcus. Here's a look at what the Holiday 24 has to offer:

These Altuzarra glasses and shaker look vintage but are brand new and beautiful. What a great gift for your holiday host and hostess!
Joseph Altuzarra Cocktail Shaker ($50) & Double Old-Fashioned Glasses ($50)



Traveling over the holidays? This suitcase is small enough to carry-on, and the neon detailing makes for a chic airport look. 
Alice+Olivia Rolling Luggage $180


Who knew that Band of Outsiders made Cookie Cutters?! They would definitely make your holiday baking a little more entertaining. 
Band of Outsiders Cookie Cutter & Stamper Set $30



Like I said in last week's Holiday Outfit Must-Haves post, a sparkly clutch is necessary this holiday season. If you don't do sequins, go for a metallic/shimmery clutch like one of these by Marc Jacobs. 
Marc Jacobs Metallic Zip Clutch Bag $70



This is the yoga mat I tweeted about. DVF, Lululemon, and a good yoga flow... what more do you need?
Diane von Furstenberg Yoga Mat $50



Is this not a fabulous party top? Balance its shape with skinny black pants and spiked heel booties. 
Tracy Reese Sequined Blouse $80



Sometimes when you're wearing black-tie attire, it's hard to find a coat that doesn't ruin the look. This lightly sequined cape would solve the problem and look awesome with denim, too! Also, this is a lot more affordable than the exquisite $5,000 cape I tried on this week at the Etro store on Madison Avenue... 
Prabal Gurung Sequined Cape $80



It wouldn't be the holidays without a proper party dress! The colors, floral pattern, and shape make this Lela Rose dress super feminine and sophisticated. 
Lela Rose Watercolor High-Low Dress $100



Don't you wish this came in adult size?? This Marchesa dress is angelic without being cheesy. Adorable!
Marchesa Girls' Hand-Beaded Dress $100



Studded leather for boots, jackets, and now gloves. At only $50, these long Brian Atwood gloves are a steal!
Brian Atwood Studded Leather Gloves $50



There is even something for men. The retro-looking white piping detail on this Thom Browne blazer makes it a little more formal. If you know how much Thom Browne usually costs, you know what a great deal this is!
Thom Browne Rib-Trimmed Blazer $150