I love deals and steals almost more than chocolate! There are plenty of sites out there that you have to join, but my two favorites just require you to get your mouse and click on their web domain and start shopping.
This first site is http://www.theoutnet.com/. Now the merchandise is end of the season merch, or last years styles, and they do have limited sizes, BUT if you find your size and a piece you love, you have SCORED! They carry the best of the best designers and fabulous styles; I don't care if they are two years ago or end of the season, they have some great stuff. You can't go wrong when you have the potential to own James Perse, Jimmy Choo, Juicy Couture, Marc Jacobs, Vince, Dolce & Gabbana, and 7 for all mankind for 40-60% off! I only named a miniscule amount of lines; there are plenty more of the lines available that we all love and just wish we could buy; now you can!
The second site is http://www.metroparkusa.com/. Metropark also has brick and mortar stores. When you get to their website click on store locator and see if there is a store near you!
So why do I love this site and store? Because you can get great trends for under $100! The denim is regular priced; the True Religion is still $268, but they have other great denim lines for around the $100 price tag. I searched the site this morning for you. I am so good at finding the deals that will seal your look! Here is a list of the following must haves at metroparkusa right now!
Chambray Pleat Dress $64
Tiered Ruffle Dress $69
Ruched Asymmetrical Dress $64
Olive Tube Button Dress $64
Grey Off The Shoulder Tee $19.50
3/4 Slouch Tee $21.75
Olive Crop Tee $19.50
New Benatar Daisy Vest $49.99
Beaded Ruffle Top $48
Sequin Bandaeu Bra Top $19.50 this bandeau will make you sizzle under an overized tank or vest or blazer
Cross Back Tunic $54
Reverse Seam Tunic $54
Euro Cut Out top $36.75
Now for the must have accessorie: Camo Print Scarf for $12
The only thing I have a hard time recommending on sites unless they are from a known designer or are cashmere is sweaters and knits. I am a big believer in investing in a few good cashmere or a great cotton sweater for the fall and winter. You need a fitted cardigan, a long cardigan, maybe an oversized sweater and a great v-neck. The other styles of sweaters, especially the hoodie, is just cake and you can eat those up too after you have the basics. The problem with cheap sweaters and knits is they look cheap, they get holes and they pill! Leave them alone. You need to really feel the sweater and look at it, unless it is cashmere or from a well know designer!
Wear it well, wear it proud, and email me with any questions: heather@heathercarterstyle.com
http://www.heathercarterstyle.com/
Friday, August 27, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Shopbop.com, simply the best.....
I have to dedicate this entire blog to http://www.shopbop.com/ I have shopped this site for years and years. This site is not a discount site, but they do have great sales! You can find every designer from A to Z on this site. I do love looking at the True Religions, the Citizens, Diane, and my friend Robert, but what I really love are the designers on the site that you can't find everywhere. I am going to tell you about a few lines that I love that you can find at shopbop but maybe not at your local boutique or department store.
I fell in love with Only Hearts and Cosabella years ago when I lived in Santa Fe, NM. A few small boutiques carried them and I have been wearing them ever since. When I opened my store I knew Only Hearts was a must. The following are a few of my favorite pieces that are on shopbop.com right now!
Bouquet Bralette, $55 and gorgeous! You want to wear this with a vest or a low cut tank.
Venice Thong, $40, pretty and pricey, but worth it!
Leah Lace Chemise, $75, this is made for a weekend away with your man!
I swear by Cosabella panties. They are comfortable and last forever. Go for the Never Say Never Cutie Low Rise for $18. The Soire Low Rider Thong is $17 and hot like it is 104 degrees out! The Ever Low Rise Hot Pants for $30 screams come hither. Finally, you can't miss with the Talco G String for $17.
I have loved pieces by Foley & Corrina for years. Right now the Peplum Dress for $425 is a must!
Genetic denim is like wearing butter. The fit and feel is soft and luxurious. The Liam Straight Leg is so sophisticated and a must have. The Share Cigarette Jean is sure a hit. Check them out!
Shopbop carries my favorite rain boot, Hunter. Stick with the original Gloss Rain for $125.
Lets talk about Velvet for a minute. Velvet and I started our love affair at the boutique Bodhi Bazaar in Santa Fe, NM. I knew when I opened my boutique Velvet would be a hit with my clients, and boy was I right. Velvet is quality cottons and cashmere. The fit is unbelievable, the prices and unbeatable, and make you say, "No way!" And I say, "Yes way!" Lets talk about Velvet must haves for right now!
Mailla Top $93
Maribeth Shirt $99
Mahlee Dress $119
Do you want the sexy dress that will make the room stop to look at you when you enter? Then you need the Finn Dress for the wonderful price of $128
The cashmere sweaters are glorious and the prices are great! Don't miss this deliveries merchandise!
Anything by Susana Monaco is wonderful. The fits are sexy, and they last for years. Rebecca Taylor is a must also. Her pieces are sexy and feminine. I love her dresses! You want gym clothes that make your butt look better than J Lo's, go for the So Low's! You can leave the gym and go about your day without ever changing.
You can never miss with James Perse, Vince, and Tory Burch is a sure hit when it comes to bags, shoes, and trendy, but conservative pieces. I do love Ella Moss, but items seem to fall apart or lose their shape in the wash. My new favorite is Soft Joie! The Ariel and Mesa top are must haves, and the Irwin Hoodie gave me goosebumps.
If you have any questions about the vast list of designers just send me an email: heather@heathercarterstyle.com!
http://www.heathercarterstyle.com/
I fell in love with Only Hearts and Cosabella years ago when I lived in Santa Fe, NM. A few small boutiques carried them and I have been wearing them ever since. When I opened my store I knew Only Hearts was a must. The following are a few of my favorite pieces that are on shopbop.com right now!
Bouquet Bralette, $55 and gorgeous! You want to wear this with a vest or a low cut tank.
Venice Thong, $40, pretty and pricey, but worth it!
Leah Lace Chemise, $75, this is made for a weekend away with your man!
I swear by Cosabella panties. They are comfortable and last forever. Go for the Never Say Never Cutie Low Rise for $18. The Soire Low Rider Thong is $17 and hot like it is 104 degrees out! The Ever Low Rise Hot Pants for $30 screams come hither. Finally, you can't miss with the Talco G String for $17.
I have loved pieces by Foley & Corrina for years. Right now the Peplum Dress for $425 is a must!
Genetic denim is like wearing butter. The fit and feel is soft and luxurious. The Liam Straight Leg is so sophisticated and a must have. The Share Cigarette Jean is sure a hit. Check them out!
Shopbop carries my favorite rain boot, Hunter. Stick with the original Gloss Rain for $125.
Lets talk about Velvet for a minute. Velvet and I started our love affair at the boutique Bodhi Bazaar in Santa Fe, NM. I knew when I opened my boutique Velvet would be a hit with my clients, and boy was I right. Velvet is quality cottons and cashmere. The fit is unbelievable, the prices and unbeatable, and make you say, "No way!" And I say, "Yes way!" Lets talk about Velvet must haves for right now!
Mailla Top $93
Maribeth Shirt $99
Mahlee Dress $119
Do you want the sexy dress that will make the room stop to look at you when you enter? Then you need the Finn Dress for the wonderful price of $128
The cashmere sweaters are glorious and the prices are great! Don't miss this deliveries merchandise!
Anything by Susana Monaco is wonderful. The fits are sexy, and they last for years. Rebecca Taylor is a must also. Her pieces are sexy and feminine. I love her dresses! You want gym clothes that make your butt look better than J Lo's, go for the So Low's! You can leave the gym and go about your day without ever changing.
You can never miss with James Perse, Vince, and Tory Burch is a sure hit when it comes to bags, shoes, and trendy, but conservative pieces. I do love Ella Moss, but items seem to fall apart or lose their shape in the wash. My new favorite is Soft Joie! The Ariel and Mesa top are must haves, and the Irwin Hoodie gave me goosebumps.
If you have any questions about the vast list of designers just send me an email: heather@heathercarterstyle.com!
http://www.heathercarterstyle.com/
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Online shopping........I am your guide!
You must realize I love to shop! I love fashion, I love shoes, I love styling women, and I love cruising the internet looking for deals, finding steals, and figuring out the best sites to shop from. I consider a website worth my time, my money and my clients money if they meet three of my criterias:
1. Their merchandise has to be stylish, hip and have a variety of merch to choose from.
2. Prices need to be reasonable, affordable, and never over the top. If I want to shop pricey I will head to Nordstrom or Neimans.com
3. I have to get a good clear picture of the merchandise. If the photograph is blurry or they don't show a close up or photograph the model or show from different views I am out of there. I need to know how the product looks from close up and different angles.
I am going to start our online shopping guide with three sites I recommend. I will add another three tomorrow. Lets get started!
One of my first go to sites is http://www.lulus.com/ Trendy, hip, and cool! This site is perfect for the twentysomethings and the thirty and fortysomethings can pick up a few pieces. Did I mention cheap and way reasonable? Prices are extraordinary. My three must haves from this site:
Kiss of Noveau Dress! HOT HOT HOT
$34, yes you read that right, $34. It would be smokin with a pair of high boots, even thigh highs. I want this dress!
The Runaway Denim Vest: COOL, HIP, and TRENDY
$50. Pair this vest with a white tee, a pair of ponte pants, or dark skinny jean, add some sexy tie up boots and you are ready for the pub crawl. Or take this look to the movies, or dinner out with some girlfriends.
The Gallerist Black Top
$46 and you will wow your spouse or boyfriend. Throw on some sexy heels with the skinny jean and you will be throwing this outfit off by the time you get home if you make it out the door. Add sexy hair and make-up and you are ready for anything.
I am not impressed with any of the sweaters on this site. Leave the denim there too; we can do better elsewhere.
Moving on to http://www.madewell.com/ I love this site. Free shipping and returns on all jeans. Lets start with the jeans. They have great styles and amazing prices.
Vintage Low Flare. It is flared and it is fabulous and it is only $95.
Bootlegger jeans in madewell wash. This comes in @ $89.50 and needs to shipped out to your closet!
Skinny Boyfriend jean is a must have. $98.50
They have shoes! I am in lust with the Ilse Jacobsen short rain boot! Grab the blue, black or pink, they cost $154. The archive leather boot in English Saddle for $298 is luxurious. The site tries to sell you on the slouch sweatpants and the shrunken leather jacket; don't buy them! Go to target and get some hanes sweatpants and no one needs a leather jacket that doesn't fit properly!
The last site I will review right now is all about shoes: http://www.piperlime.com/ If you love shoes you will feel like you have died and gone to heaven. They have every kind of shoe. They are quality and affordable. Lets get this shoe show on the road!
Steve Madden A-Roxana Boot $169 HOT
Kelsi Dagger Brotute $140 Fashionable Fabulous
Steve Madden Londerman $109 Moto Hip, I must have
MUST HAVE PUMPS
Joan & David Flip $149-$200 Dark Red Paint
Pour La Victoire Melia $275 Navy or Dark Magenta
Guess Footwear Hondo $90 This is a sexy peep hole!
MUST HAVE CLOGS
Lauren by Ralph Lauren Shayla $98
Via Spiga Armena $185
Via Spiga Abtro $198
RAINBOOTS (I LOVE RAINBOOTS)
Sorel Premium in black $110
Hunter Original $125
Clarks Rainboot $75
This site has tons of shoes and boots. There were a lot more that I loved, but those were the ones I would go home with. I still need to find "the sexy heeled cat woman" boot for us. I won't let us down. Three more sites tomorrow......until then wear what you have and wear it well!
http://www.heathercarterstyle.com/
1. Their merchandise has to be stylish, hip and have a variety of merch to choose from.
2. Prices need to be reasonable, affordable, and never over the top. If I want to shop pricey I will head to Nordstrom or Neimans.com
3. I have to get a good clear picture of the merchandise. If the photograph is blurry or they don't show a close up or photograph the model or show from different views I am out of there. I need to know how the product looks from close up and different angles.
I am going to start our online shopping guide with three sites I recommend. I will add another three tomorrow. Lets get started!
One of my first go to sites is http://www.lulus.com/ Trendy, hip, and cool! This site is perfect for the twentysomethings and the thirty and fortysomethings can pick up a few pieces. Did I mention cheap and way reasonable? Prices are extraordinary. My three must haves from this site:
Kiss of Noveau Dress! HOT HOT HOT
$34, yes you read that right, $34. It would be smokin with a pair of high boots, even thigh highs. I want this dress!
The Runaway Denim Vest: COOL, HIP, and TRENDY
$50. Pair this vest with a white tee, a pair of ponte pants, or dark skinny jean, add some sexy tie up boots and you are ready for the pub crawl. Or take this look to the movies, or dinner out with some girlfriends.
The Gallerist Black Top
$46 and you will wow your spouse or boyfriend. Throw on some sexy heels with the skinny jean and you will be throwing this outfit off by the time you get home if you make it out the door. Add sexy hair and make-up and you are ready for anything.
I am not impressed with any of the sweaters on this site. Leave the denim there too; we can do better elsewhere.
Moving on to http://www.madewell.com/ I love this site. Free shipping and returns on all jeans. Lets start with the jeans. They have great styles and amazing prices.
Vintage Low Flare. It is flared and it is fabulous and it is only $95.
Bootlegger jeans in madewell wash. This comes in @ $89.50 and needs to shipped out to your closet!
Skinny Boyfriend jean is a must have. $98.50
They have shoes! I am in lust with the Ilse Jacobsen short rain boot! Grab the blue, black or pink, they cost $154. The archive leather boot in English Saddle for $298 is luxurious. The site tries to sell you on the slouch sweatpants and the shrunken leather jacket; don't buy them! Go to target and get some hanes sweatpants and no one needs a leather jacket that doesn't fit properly!
The last site I will review right now is all about shoes: http://www.piperlime.com/ If you love shoes you will feel like you have died and gone to heaven. They have every kind of shoe. They are quality and affordable. Lets get this shoe show on the road!
Steve Madden A-Roxana Boot $169 HOT
Kelsi Dagger Brotute $140 Fashionable Fabulous
Steve Madden Londerman $109 Moto Hip, I must have
MUST HAVE PUMPS
Joan & David Flip $149-$200 Dark Red Paint
Pour La Victoire Melia $275 Navy or Dark Magenta
Guess Footwear Hondo $90 This is a sexy peep hole!
MUST HAVE CLOGS
Lauren by Ralph Lauren Shayla $98
Via Spiga Armena $185
Via Spiga Abtro $198
RAINBOOTS (I LOVE RAINBOOTS)
Sorel Premium in black $110
Hunter Original $125
Clarks Rainboot $75
This site has tons of shoes and boots. There were a lot more that I loved, but those were the ones I would go home with. I still need to find "the sexy heeled cat woman" boot for us. I won't let us down. Three more sites tomorrow......until then wear what you have and wear it well!
http://www.heathercarterstyle.com/
Monday, August 23, 2010
What looks have come back from the past?
Clogs are back! I love clogs. I think clogs are sexy, sophisticated, and versatile. The clog can actually make the ankle look hot; the best look to me is a clog with a capri boyfriend jean. That is smokin! Of course ladies I am talking about a clog with a heel; one without a heel screams I am wanting to be a nun or heading to a job where comfort is what it is all about. Now, that's ok, but not to meet a girlfriend for lunch, or a trip to the city for shopping, or happy hour with the hubby. The clog looks best when shown off with the hip outfit. Think loose denim, maybe a few rips, a great white tee and a fabulous blazer paired with a sexy clog. Lauren by Ralph Lauren makes a hot clog called "Stasia". It is $98 and a combo of leather and suede. I love the "Fawn" clog by Diane Von Furstenberg for $295. You can find them at http://www.net-a-porter.com/
The Messenger Bag is back and has a message, she is here to stay! The messenger bag has never left my closet. I love this bag for it's versatility and ability to hold anything from work needs to your favorite Chanel lipstick.
One of my favorite looks and color to wear is army, army green! In for fall, and the bandwagon you should jump on is the army jacket. There is nothing fancy or dressy about the army jacket; it is a casual but cool jacket. It looks fantastic with the ripped skinny or straight jean with a fabulous boot. You can go long, short, or regular length. Stay away from the cropped. Check out Gap and JCRew for cool looks with great prices for this jacket. I love the "summer surplus" linen cotton jacket at http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/ It is pricey, $650, but check it out and the look around for the same look for less.
Denim jackets are super hot again. I just pulled my Juicy denim jacket out that I purchased five years ago! Denim jackets go in and out, but when they are in, you need to jump on this boat and depart when the ride is over. When you get off board hopefully you have a great denim jacket that you can pack away for it's next trip, like mine, whether 2, 3 or 4 years later. The key to having that perfect denim jacket is staying classic with the look. No patches, or too many rips, all you need is a great wash to keep bringing this jacket back. I love the dark wash denim jacket, the faded, and the classic or slim fit. You can always find a great jean jacket from Levi's, http://www.levi.com/ for a very reasonable price. Of course you will find a fabulous jean jacket from a lot of the premier denim lines.
The clog will look great with any of these jackets while sporting the totally cool messenger bag. Guys have fun with these looks, and make them your own!
http://www.heathercarterstyle.com/
The Messenger Bag is back and has a message, she is here to stay! The messenger bag has never left my closet. I love this bag for it's versatility and ability to hold anything from work needs to your favorite Chanel lipstick.
One of my favorite looks and color to wear is army, army green! In for fall, and the bandwagon you should jump on is the army jacket. There is nothing fancy or dressy about the army jacket; it is a casual but cool jacket. It looks fantastic with the ripped skinny or straight jean with a fabulous boot. You can go long, short, or regular length. Stay away from the cropped. Check out Gap and JCRew for cool looks with great prices for this jacket. I love the "summer surplus" linen cotton jacket at http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/ It is pricey, $650, but check it out and the look around for the same look for less.
Denim jackets are super hot again. I just pulled my Juicy denim jacket out that I purchased five years ago! Denim jackets go in and out, but when they are in, you need to jump on this boat and depart when the ride is over. When you get off board hopefully you have a great denim jacket that you can pack away for it's next trip, like mine, whether 2, 3 or 4 years later. The key to having that perfect denim jacket is staying classic with the look. No patches, or too many rips, all you need is a great wash to keep bringing this jacket back. I love the dark wash denim jacket, the faded, and the classic or slim fit. You can always find a great jean jacket from Levi's, http://www.levi.com/ for a very reasonable price. Of course you will find a fabulous jean jacket from a lot of the premier denim lines.
The clog will look great with any of these jackets while sporting the totally cool messenger bag. Guys have fun with these looks, and make them your own!
http://www.heathercarterstyle.com/
Thursday, August 19, 2010
The Basics about Denim......What You NEED to Know
I have had a love affair with denim for as long as I can remember. I have over 26 pairs of jeans; I have given away a ton to my girlfriends just to make myself feel better. Denim is sexy, sophisticated, sensual, and savvy. Denim can make me feel like the hottest girl walking the planet. If you buy the wrong style and fit for your body you could end up looking like a puff-a-lump, stick figure or down right dawdy! Let's get started!
The skinny jean exploded onto our scene about six years ago. When I first saw the skinny I screamed, "NO!" I have since embraced it. Does that mean I wear it? Not really. I am your classic pear; heavier on bottom, small waist, and the only thing that saves me is broad shoulders. The skinny jean is not a great chose for the pair shaped lady. Embrace the skinny if you your legs are longer than Shrek's and you are skinny to moderate in weight. If you are a plus size this is a no! Skinny's look great with heels, flip flops, boots, and booties too! The Western Bootie would be a hot look paired with the skinny for our twenty, thirty and forty somethings.
Whatever you do, stay away from the jegging! Yes, it is what you think it is; a jean that fits like a legging. This look is for the tweens and teens. Please listen to me on this! If you are early twenties you can get away with it, but everyone else, be scared, and I mean very scared.
I am a HUGE fan of the straight leg. The straight leg jean works on almost anyone. If you are shaped like a box, no waist, do not and I repeat, do not, go for a low rise straight leg. For that matter if you are box shaped stay away from any low rise. If you are box shaped, which translates to no waist, up and down, any low rise pant or jean makes you look even boxier, and gives the allusion you have no rear. Go for higher waisted.
So, the straight leg is just a little more giving then the skinny as far as needing that perfect body, which very few of us have. It can still be tight, and if you want to exude sex appeal go for tight.
I am a supporter of the flare and the boot cut. These two styles are extrememly flattering for the pear shape and plus size person. I am sure you can guess why; the bottom of the jean is flared and in turn it makes your hips look smaller. I love love love this jean!
This fall the patched jean has reared it's unnecessary head. Just please stay away from this fad unless you are in your twenties. I am all for a few rips, but patches? No! It is a young look, will be out before we know it and one we can pass by!
The cargo jean is hot! I love a baggy cargo. Put that cargo jean with a white tank, loose or tight, and throw your leather jacket I told you to buy on, slip your feet into some stilletos, and you will be screaming, "I am hip, hot, up to date, and so savvy!" What I just described is a great look for any age!
The Tuxedo jean is a fad, let it go by, unless you have extra cash, no hips, and am prepared to wear the look once because you will never want to wear it again. The tuxedo jean would be great to club in, but not a great every day look.
I love the trouser jean. The trouser jean is sophisticated and worthy enough to make it to your closet. Wear the classics with the trouser: button down shirt and a classic jacket or even a blazer.
In the end, it is all about pleasing you. Remember this is just a guide; you rock your fabulous self with whatever styles, colors and fits you want!
The skinny jean exploded onto our scene about six years ago. When I first saw the skinny I screamed, "NO!" I have since embraced it. Does that mean I wear it? Not really. I am your classic pear; heavier on bottom, small waist, and the only thing that saves me is broad shoulders. The skinny jean is not a great chose for the pair shaped lady. Embrace the skinny if you your legs are longer than Shrek's and you are skinny to moderate in weight. If you are a plus size this is a no! Skinny's look great with heels, flip flops, boots, and booties too! The Western Bootie would be a hot look paired with the skinny for our twenty, thirty and forty somethings.
Whatever you do, stay away from the jegging! Yes, it is what you think it is; a jean that fits like a legging. This look is for the tweens and teens. Please listen to me on this! If you are early twenties you can get away with it, but everyone else, be scared, and I mean very scared.
I am a HUGE fan of the straight leg. The straight leg jean works on almost anyone. If you are shaped like a box, no waist, do not and I repeat, do not, go for a low rise straight leg. For that matter if you are box shaped stay away from any low rise. If you are box shaped, which translates to no waist, up and down, any low rise pant or jean makes you look even boxier, and gives the allusion you have no rear. Go for higher waisted.
So, the straight leg is just a little more giving then the skinny as far as needing that perfect body, which very few of us have. It can still be tight, and if you want to exude sex appeal go for tight.
I am a supporter of the flare and the boot cut. These two styles are extrememly flattering for the pear shape and plus size person. I am sure you can guess why; the bottom of the jean is flared and in turn it makes your hips look smaller. I love love love this jean!
This fall the patched jean has reared it's unnecessary head. Just please stay away from this fad unless you are in your twenties. I am all for a few rips, but patches? No! It is a young look, will be out before we know it and one we can pass by!
The cargo jean is hot! I love a baggy cargo. Put that cargo jean with a white tank, loose or tight, and throw your leather jacket I told you to buy on, slip your feet into some stilletos, and you will be screaming, "I am hip, hot, up to date, and so savvy!" What I just described is a great look for any age!
The Tuxedo jean is a fad, let it go by, unless you have extra cash, no hips, and am prepared to wear the look once because you will never want to wear it again. The tuxedo jean would be great to club in, but not a great every day look.
I love the trouser jean. The trouser jean is sophisticated and worthy enough to make it to your closet. Wear the classics with the trouser: button down shirt and a classic jacket or even a blazer.
In the end, it is all about pleasing you. Remember this is just a guide; you rock your fabulous self with whatever styles, colors and fits you want!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Leather Jacket......A Necessity for EVERY Wardrobe
I don't care if you are a size 0 or a size 16; the leather jacket is a must in every closet. I prefer the black leather jacket, but a brown or tan one is also fab! If your budget allows have a black, brown, red, and even white. If you pick out the right style of jacket it will never go out of style and last you for years!
My very plain black motorcycle jacket from Banana Republic is heading into season eight in my wardrobe. She is no rookie to my wardrobe, and is actually one of my stand out veterans. She goes with me everywhere in the fall. I pair her with denim, black pants, dresses, skirts, khaki's, you name it and she goes.
If you would like to own a loyal and tried and true jacket like mine, stick with the basic. Leave the ones with all the zippers, snaps, and bows in the store. Yes, the ones with studs might be out next year, but if your budget permits grab one, they are hot. Mine has a zipper on each sleeve, but the zipper is not the focal point of the jacket.
You ask, what makes a great leather jacket? The leather itself. It it looks cheap it probably is. You want butter, you want soft, you want supple, and rouching is always awesome! There is nothing wrong with faux leather, but get a faux leather jacket in a trendy style. They don't last long. You can find great faux leather jackets that are very trendy for under $60. Go ahead and buy one, you won't feel bad when next season you don't even look twice at it. But as far as your veteran jacket you want around for a long time; plan on spending anywhere from $250 to $500. Any price over $500 is a gimmick and really, who cares if it is made in a building located on a cobble stone street in Italy!
Please stay away from the cropped version unless you are twenty something and have a rocking body! Or you have a body that is straight up and down; think Heather Locklear or Sharon Stone. A cropped jacket on a pear shape accentuates the pear and hides the waist which is what you want to accentuate! A cropped jacket on an apple truly makes you look like your legs are sticks and you are one caramel apple that has eaten too much caramel!
You want one that hits you right at your hip. You don't want boxy; you want fitted. A little padding in the shoulder is okay and a longer version is hot too! You can go for funky, sophisticated, sexy or conservative. You know what category you fall into. Remember it is all about the fit, the leather, and you feeling confident when wearing it!
Fashion is fun, flirty, and shows the world who you are!
http://www.heathercarterstyle.com/
My very plain black motorcycle jacket from Banana Republic is heading into season eight in my wardrobe. She is no rookie to my wardrobe, and is actually one of my stand out veterans. She goes with me everywhere in the fall. I pair her with denim, black pants, dresses, skirts, khaki's, you name it and she goes.
If you would like to own a loyal and tried and true jacket like mine, stick with the basic. Leave the ones with all the zippers, snaps, and bows in the store. Yes, the ones with studs might be out next year, but if your budget permits grab one, they are hot. Mine has a zipper on each sleeve, but the zipper is not the focal point of the jacket.
You ask, what makes a great leather jacket? The leather itself. It it looks cheap it probably is. You want butter, you want soft, you want supple, and rouching is always awesome! There is nothing wrong with faux leather, but get a faux leather jacket in a trendy style. They don't last long. You can find great faux leather jackets that are very trendy for under $60. Go ahead and buy one, you won't feel bad when next season you don't even look twice at it. But as far as your veteran jacket you want around for a long time; plan on spending anywhere from $250 to $500. Any price over $500 is a gimmick and really, who cares if it is made in a building located on a cobble stone street in Italy!
Please stay away from the cropped version unless you are twenty something and have a rocking body! Or you have a body that is straight up and down; think Heather Locklear or Sharon Stone. A cropped jacket on a pear shape accentuates the pear and hides the waist which is what you want to accentuate! A cropped jacket on an apple truly makes you look like your legs are sticks and you are one caramel apple that has eaten too much caramel!
You want one that hits you right at your hip. You don't want boxy; you want fitted. A little padding in the shoulder is okay and a longer version is hot too! You can go for funky, sophisticated, sexy or conservative. You know what category you fall into. Remember it is all about the fit, the leather, and you feeling confident when wearing it!
Fashion is fun, flirty, and shows the world who you are!
http://www.heathercarterstyle.com/
Introducing......THE Western Bootie
Girls this is the Fall item that I am most excited about! I am so excited for this bootie; the western bootie with spunk and a chicness that will scream, "I am up to date, confident, and hip!"
Let's talk about when this bootie doesn't work. It doesn't work for the office, it is not conservative, and it doesn't work at the opera, BUT it does work for just about anything else.
Ladies this is the cowboy boot that has been cut down to the ankle and it is fabulous. It looks great with a flowy skirt, a skinny jean, shorts, mini skirts, and anything else that will showcase the boot! You want the boot to be seen; forget the flare or bootcut jean. Leave the spectacular accessorie out of this picture. No ladies, we need to show this off.
Are you wondering age group? Twenty something's can wear it with anything; especially the short shorts or mini skirts and tights, hot! Thirty something's and forty something's go with the skinny jean, the longer skirt or even a capri jean or pant. If you are fifty or over, skirt and capri pant or capri jean.
Finally, keep it simple on top. Do not pair this with an Ed Hardy shirt! YUCK! That would scream, "I am over doing it and I don't know what I am doing." Plain tee or tank on top. You want the attention brought to the boot. Too much accessories and you will look like you are heading to Nashville for a ho down. Keep it city simple and chic every where BUT the boot. With that being said, go for a color. My favorite color in a boot like this is a deep rusty/ red. Go to http://www.shopjshoes.com/ to see the one I want for fall. The cost is $185.
Another great option is Steve Madden's "Tess II" bootie. The boot is $160 and can be found at http://www.stevemadden.com/ You will find the boot every where; if it is in your fall budget buy it and have fun!
Let's talk about when this bootie doesn't work. It doesn't work for the office, it is not conservative, and it doesn't work at the opera, BUT it does work for just about anything else.
Ladies this is the cowboy boot that has been cut down to the ankle and it is fabulous. It looks great with a flowy skirt, a skinny jean, shorts, mini skirts, and anything else that will showcase the boot! You want the boot to be seen; forget the flare or bootcut jean. Leave the spectacular accessorie out of this picture. No ladies, we need to show this off.
Are you wondering age group? Twenty something's can wear it with anything; especially the short shorts or mini skirts and tights, hot! Thirty something's and forty something's go with the skinny jean, the longer skirt or even a capri jean or pant. If you are fifty or over, skirt and capri pant or capri jean.
Finally, keep it simple on top. Do not pair this with an Ed Hardy shirt! YUCK! That would scream, "I am over doing it and I don't know what I am doing." Plain tee or tank on top. You want the attention brought to the boot. Too much accessories and you will look like you are heading to Nashville for a ho down. Keep it city simple and chic every where BUT the boot. With that being said, go for a color. My favorite color in a boot like this is a deep rusty/ red. Go to http://www.shopjshoes.com/ to see the one I want for fall. The cost is $185.
Another great option is Steve Madden's "Tess II" bootie. The boot is $160 and can be found at http://www.stevemadden.com/ You will find the boot every where; if it is in your fall budget buy it and have fun!
The Short Sleeved Blazer
Let's talk about one of fall's looks that seems to be rolling into our stores, and trying to make their way into our closets: the short sleeved blazer. I do like it, but it is not a MUST for fall!
If you think you cannot pass by this look, let me give you some tips on how to wear it. This blazer looks best in a layered look. What would be really hot is a tight long sleeve tshirt under the blazer. Rock the combo with a pair of skinny jeans and boots and you are off and running to the local coffee house or dinner looking hip and chic. Another way to wear it is with a crisp white shirt under the blazer. Now, the fit of the white shirt is important. The shirt has to be fit almost perfect through the bodice and sleeves. A 3/4 length white shirt underneath would be hot! Pair this look with a boot cut jean and hot stilleto and you have your Friday office casual look down and screaming I am one fashionista!
Of course with the tshirt version, for a much more casual look you could put a tank top or short sleeve tee under the blazer, layer a few necklaces. Do not go BIG and BOLD with accessories with this look. Keep it simple!
As far as color goes for the blazer, stick with khaki's, black, or grey. Don't go for the red or the green. Stick with the basics. This look is bold enough; you don't need to add a stand out color.
The only reason I say it is not a MUST for fall is because I LOVE the blazer and think it is more economical and smart to buy one with full sleeves. If you have extra money hanging around, go for it! If you don't have extra money, but really want this look, head to H&M or Forever 21 or some other store that carries trends for a lot mess money!
As always with fashion, have fun with it, and make it your own!
If you think you cannot pass by this look, let me give you some tips on how to wear it. This blazer looks best in a layered look. What would be really hot is a tight long sleeve tshirt under the blazer. Rock the combo with a pair of skinny jeans and boots and you are off and running to the local coffee house or dinner looking hip and chic. Another way to wear it is with a crisp white shirt under the blazer. Now, the fit of the white shirt is important. The shirt has to be fit almost perfect through the bodice and sleeves. A 3/4 length white shirt underneath would be hot! Pair this look with a boot cut jean and hot stilleto and you have your Friday office casual look down and screaming I am one fashionista!
Of course with the tshirt version, for a much more casual look you could put a tank top or short sleeve tee under the blazer, layer a few necklaces. Do not go BIG and BOLD with accessories with this look. Keep it simple!
As far as color goes for the blazer, stick with khaki's, black, or grey. Don't go for the red or the green. Stick with the basics. This look is bold enough; you don't need to add a stand out color.
The only reason I say it is not a MUST for fall is because I LOVE the blazer and think it is more economical and smart to buy one with full sleeves. If you have extra money hanging around, go for it! If you don't have extra money, but really want this look, head to H&M or Forever 21 or some other store that carries trends for a lot mess money!
As always with fashion, have fun with it, and make it your own!
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