You Just Got "Capped"

When I say the phrase..."you just got capped" what imagery comes to mind. When I hear capped I think mountains capped with snow, pop bottle caps, and capped toe shoes! This trend has plateaued to new heights, with the reinforced toe becoming a new norm. Offering classic elegance while showcasing a modern twist. You can dress these shoes up or down which makes them a great addition to your closet if you don't already own a pair.

 OUT AND ABOUT WITH CAPPED TOE PUMPS

These lovely ladies show us how to rock these capped toe pumps with anything from sheath dresses, jumpsuits, revealing gowns, leather pants and blazers, and even printed suits. As you can see the shoes are versatile and easy to keep it chill (like Beyonce' shows us in her black off the shoulder tee and leopard pants), classy (like my fairy Style God Mother *in my head* June Ambrose in her printed suit), or super glam (like Khloe Kardashian in her black jumpsuit, SN: let me just say I'm a SUCKER for a jumpsuit/romper).

They come in a plethora of styles as well. You can get them in neutral colors, ankle straps, spikes and studs, color blocked, and even in boots, pumps, stilettos, or flats. Needless to say, you can create an abundance of looks with just one pair of these capped toed beauties. Let me note that just like the variety of styles, colors, and detailing on the shoes, there are also a variety of price points. If you are balling out of control you can drop a stack ($1000 or more) on some red bottom capped toed shoes by Christian Louboutin or Yves Saint Laurent. But if you are balling on a restricted budget you can get the look for less provided by stores like Aldo, Steve Madden, Lulus.com, and my fav GoJane.com for as low as $30.

PUMPS, BOOTS, & FLATS GALORE 

After reading this post will you officially become capped?

Dreaming in 'Monochromatic" Color

First and foremost I want to apologize for being ghost the past few days. It has been hectic since I've last blogged. I went on a trip home, to Michigan! Which was non - stop action (shopping, catching up with friends, enjoying family, and great food). I have some fun post planned about that trip so stay tuned. I also, have been assigned to a new project at work, so my day is a more jam packed with less down time to blog. But nonetheless, I've missed my finger tips hitting the keys to my Macbook to bring you the latest and greatest in fashion! Since my day is just as chaotic as today, consider this a late night/early morning post (I promise I will try to do better...but I may not be able to post Monday through Friday the next couple of weeks, FYI)! But let's get to the task at hand.

M-O-N-O-C-H-R-O-M-A-T-I-C!!!! 

OK, so I've mentioned this word monochromatic in a few posts previously. So I'm sure you are have heard this term (at least from this site, if not from somewhere else).  To recap monochromatic means:

a.) A boring fashion look

b.) A fancy word for color blocking

c.) Wearing a plethora of patterns

d.) Wearing the same color from head to toe

If you chose d, you are correct. Monochromatic simply means you are wearing the same color (or colors from the same color family/scheme) from head to toe. Although monochromatic means wearing one specific color it doesn't mean that your outfit has to be one note. Since Fall is here and in full effect here are some cool colors to play up with the monochromatic trend.

Jewel Tones: Purples, Ruby Red, Sapphire, Teal etc.

Neutrals: Gray, Black, White, Camel (Tan), Cognac, Cream etc. 

Take notes from these singers, actors, and models on how to pull off this awesome trend.

 Are you dreaming in "monochromatic" color yet? 

Frayed & Fringed

Let me first say...fringe is not a new trend nor a new concept. It has been around for decades. I love the airy feeling that fringe provides. It gives your outfit depth, dimension, and flare. There are many ways to utilize the fringe trend this Fall. You can find fringe jackets, boots, shorts, dresses, purses, and more.

I fell in love with this ombre fringed jacket that  I first spotted on Demi Lovato (the new host on the X factor). This pop crooner took this amazing statement piece and paired it with a mesh cutout bodycon dress and black peep toe pumps. She is giving off rock princess vibes while still offering an element of sophistication with pink dipped hair in all.

To my amazement this ombre fringe jackets has a matching pair of shorts. How bananas is that? I don't know if I would be daring enough to wear the pieces together (although I would sure give it a try), but I'm sure you could get great mileage out of these wonderfully crafted garments. They both can be found at Topshop.

Here are a few more jackets with fringe detailing (black leather jacket with fringe detail on the front and back, cream fringe leather jacket with studded details, and 70s inspired tye-dye fringed jacket). You can style these jackets with jeans, a tee, and some boots or with a cute bodycon dress and stiletto pumps. It is totally up to you!

Kim Kardashian is one of my style icons. She dresses really cute. Here she is rocking a a lovely satin midi dress with an embellished top and an adorable fringed cover up. She keeps her hair and pumps fairly simple to let the frayed fringe take center stage. In the middle pic she is carrying a fringe accessory to spice up her neutral colored outfit.

My fav singer B-Rocka is giving me life in this frayed Herve Ledger blush pink number. I like how she has the big hair, the gold jewelry accents, and the neutral colored peep toe pumps. YESSSSS, Mrs. Brandy! I see you boo.

 Here are a few more dresses with fringe accents. When you wear a dress such as this, less is more. Let the dress shine! Pair fringed dresses with neutral colored pumps/ballet flats, clutches, and jewelry.

If you don't think you can pull off an entire fringed dress opt out for a fringe cover up like Toya Wright (pictured left) wore. She paired it with white jeans, a white tank top, and a white fringed cover up! Her makeup is so flawless. The frayed cover up is also shown below in black. They paired it with a black tank, neon green skirt, and black booties. Since it's getting cold, I would definitely add some type of jacket (whether it denim jacket, blazer, or leather cropped jacket) to keep your arms warm.

The rest of the post showcases accessories with fringe detailing. Check out Ciara and Rihanna in their frayed boots/booties! Their shoes are absolutely amazing. I love the rest of the boots and bags shown below as well. They are simply gorgeous. Take a look for yourselves.

 





Believe it or not, I scored some really cute cognac colored (they also come in black) fringed boots from...(wait for it)...Kmart. Yes, you did read that right. I said KMart. They were only $35 (and better yet they are on sale now for only $14). You can't beat that price!  And they are pretty good quality. I plan to wear them this weekend when I go home to visit the fam in Michigan. If you'd like to order a pair here is the link: http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_035VA50644201P

Will you be getting frayed or fringed this Fall? I sure hope so. Happy Thursday luvs. One more day until the weekend :)

Hot Trend: Oxblood Red

This seasons hottest color is coming for your blood!!! Okay, not literally...but this burgundy hue is called Oxblood Red, and it can be seen all around this Fall. Oxblood keeps company with other red hued colors such as burgundy, wine, and brick red. This color has already made appearances in magazines, blogs, and even in designer collections shown around the world. So I would highly suggest that you get in on the fun and add some Oxblood into your closet, makeup bag, nail polish bin, and even your accessory drawer. I will show you how you can pull off this vampy inspired color with ease. And what colors best compliment this dark, luxe color. Let's get to it shall we luvs :)

OXBLOOD RED SEEN ON CELEBS
As you can see from the picture below, Oxblood can be wore in many different capacities. For example check out Chanel Iman's lipstick and blush combo? Or Angela Simmons leather Oxblood Red pants, and burgundy peep toe booties.

Chanel Iman (oxblood lip and cheeks), Kim Kardashian (oxblood fitted dress with fur vest), Angela Simmons (white button up, oxblood red leather pants and peep toe booties), Kourtney Kardashian (oxblood red fur vest with black blouse, dark denim jeans, and black boots), Auntie June [Ambrose} (with her signature oxblood red turban and pumps, cheetah sweater, tan vest, and brown slacks), J - Lo (embroidered oxblood red mini dress with sheer details)

CLOTHING
You can find just about anything in Oxblood/Burgundy etc. Coats, dresses, pants, leggings, cardigans, blazers, skirts, and skirts. I found a great assortment of these items below at H&M. So if you don't know where to start I would suggest H&M.

ACCESSORIES
You can find items besides clothing...like nail polish, boots, ballet flats, gloves, jewelry, clutches, satchels, watches, lipstick, and yes you can even dye your hair this awesome color!!!

ALL ABOUT ME
The top picture is of me wearing "Dark Side" lipstick and "Nightmoth" lip liner by M.A.C complimented by a cheetah print oversized bow which I scored from Charlotte Russe on clearance(my box braids are put up in a bun...SN: I love my throwback braids by the way, shout out to my girl Gyreasha)! Although you can't see it, my nails were polished in "Recessionista" by Essie (another shade of oxblood red nail polish).

In the pic below I paired my oxblood red blouse (which has lace detailing in the back and ties in a bow in front) from Forever 21, with my frayed cowgirl vest from H&M, along with my leggings with leather detailing from H&M, and my wedge booties from Aldo (which are not seen in the picture). I again was rocking my M.A.C vampy lipstick/lip liner combo (Dark Side & Nightmoth).

Oxblood red is a great color to try the monochromatic trend. Again monochromatic means you are simply wearing the same shade from head to toe (or shades in the same family tree...it doesn't have to match exactly). But if you want to explore this color to deeper depths there are colors that compliment oxblood red seamlessly.

(From Top Left to Bottom Right) Pumpkin, Red, Cheetah Print, Tan, Oxblood Red, Hunter Green, Chocolate Brown, Light Pink, Eggplant, Gray, Blush Pink, Purple, and Black

I hope you have been inspired to try out this dope color. I've started adding pieces to my closet slowly but surely. I am excited to see how many combinations I can come up with! Hopefully, you will catch up on my enthusiasm. Will you join the Oxblood Red gang?

"Timeless" Pieces

It's always great to top off an outfit with the perfect accessories. Earrings, necklaces, charm bracelets, rings...the jewelry buffet is endless. There is one "timeless" jewelry piece that every women should invest in. A good watch.

A friend of mine,who also happens to be one of my biggest Ali's Fashion Sense followers asked me to do a post on picking the right watch . It seems like watches have died and been rebirthed the past couple of seasons in fashion. Watches come in different sizes, colors, textures, and price points. There are all type of watches for you to choose from. This post will give you an idea on what to look for when you are on the hunt for a great timepiece.

COLORS
You can choose from a plethora of colors for watches. Gold, Silver, Rose Gold, White, Chocolate Brown etc. They also come in rainbow colored hues like Hot Pink, Blue, or Purple. One to match all of your fashion moods and outfits.

PATTERNS
I love watches that offer different patterns diverging from your normal gold or silver watches.

SHAPES & SIZES
All watches are not created equally. They come in all types of shapes and size. You can find circular, square, and even heart shaped watches. The watch you choose depends on your personally style.

There are many things to think about when shopping for a watch. The first is what style you want to go with (heart shaped, oval, circular, rectangular etc.). The next is the color. And thirdly, I would have to say is price point. Watches can range from under ten bucks to well off into the thousands. So you have a wide variety of choices. And if you're like me...you can't always make up your mind on one, so I would say diversify your watch collection. I would definitely start with the basics though...at least one gold or silver watch (or both depending on what you wear the most) to wear on a daily basis. I personally like big face watches that resemble men's arm candy just to add a more rugged element. Once you've decided on the perfect watch, make sure it fits you like a glove. There is nothing worse than having a watch sliding up and down your wrist because it's too big, or a watch squeezing off your circulation because it's too small. So make sure you get fitted for your watch.

Some of the trusted brands are Guess, Juicy Couture, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, DKNY, and Fossil. If you're not so bent on brands try places like Charming Charlie's or Forever 21. Department stores like Macy's usually have a large watch section. If you want to look into an investment piece, you may want to start there as you can have a sales associate walk you through what you are looking for, and what fits your style. Also don't be afraid to shop at places like TJ MAXX or Marshall's. I've seen really good steals on watches and other jewelry from places of that caliber.

Don't run out of time (pun intended). Go out and shop for your watch today :)