Fur-tastic!

Written by: Madeleine
In Collaboration with: Brittany


We show you how to make your holiday outfits fur-tastic three different ways!

Happy December! Now that the weather is finally feeling like winter, it can be hard to keep warm while looking fashionable. Obviously, the best thing to do during winter is layers. Layering allows you to keep warm, but also adjust to the weather by adding or taking off a layer. The best thing to do is to start with a basic layer, such as a cami or long-sleeved tee. Even though it is a simple piece, it will blend into your outfit and keep some of your body heat in! Next, do whatever top you wanted to wear. (Using the "Brittany tuck" here can keep the outfit from looking super bulky.) Then add a light sweater or sweatshirt that compliments your top. Finally, put some outerwear on! This could be a leather jacket, peacoat, or a goose feather jacket.

If you are feeling on the more adventurous side, try one of this seasons top trends... A fur vest! Whether you go with a vegan, vintage, or luxurious fur, you will be a knockout. Here are some ways to wear fur for different occasions!

Skirt it up! Throw on the fur vest over a mini skirt with boots. It is a quick and chic look that isn't too much for the daytime, but can quickly transition into a date night with some makeup changes. Here, I contrasted the fur vest with a tweed skirt. The mix of textures compliment each other and don't compete with each other.

Skirt: Hinge
Blouse: Forever21
Vest: Jack
Boots: Tory Burch

Break out those light wash jeans again because they look killer with a furry vest. Once again, the textures of denim and fur creates visual interest in the outfit that makes it work. This look is perfect for doing some holiday shopping, lunching with the girls, or a night out. Take it up a notch by adding some amazing heels.

Jeans: Joe's
Blouse: Madewell
Heels: Brian Atwood

Finally, spice it up with some colored jeans and booties. This casual look is still dressy, but not over the top and it will make you feel super confident! It shows your fashionista side while being appropriate. When you do a colored denim, make sure it doesn't overpower the fur vest. Like I mentioned before, it should support the fur, not take away from it. Otherwise, your outfit will just be a screaming competition between pieces. If you don't feel comfortable doing a colored denim, try a coated or black denim. It's still an appropriate and classy look.

Jeans: Hudson
Blouse: Urban Outfitters
Booties: Indigo by Clarks
Jewelry: Alex and Ani and Marc by Marc Jacobs

For more photos, please visit our gallery!

Holiday Sequins

Written by: Madeleine
In Collaboration with: Brittany


As women, there is one thing that will always and without fail capture our attention: SPARKLES. That's one reason why I am so obsessed with this Halogen sequin skirt that I bought from Nordstrom last season. But sometimes full sequined items can be intimidating because it is a hard piece to balance out. However, here are a few simple tricks to bring in that sparkle and shine into your holiday wardrobe!

It's all about the balance. Find a piece that's still bold, but that also compliments the shine. This could be a loud color, like I did here, or different texture. It might be hard to find that perfect piece at first, but it is definitely doable! Usually, jewel tones work with sequins because the color can stand on its own and have some impact.

Secondly, keep it simple. Don't try to add another piece that overwhelms the sequins. This creates too much visual interest and the eye has a hard time focusing on one area. You want people to see an outfit, not a sparkly skirt and a crazy shirt. Pick a silhouette that has clean lines, but not too structural.

Sequins and shine, when done correctly, are appropriate for any occasion. Honestly, it depends on how you style it. For this example, I would wear this outfit to work, for a business meeting, or a dinner. If I paired this skirt with a basic boyfriend tee, I could wear it while hanging out with friends or shopping downtown.

And as always, add a third piece. No matter what you are wearing, the third piece is essential. Here, it is best just to add a necklace because there is a lot going on. Shine on, my fashionistas! Shine on!

*** For more photos, visit our gallery!

Skirt: Halogen
Top: J. Crew
Shoes: Simply Vera Wang
Pearls: Vintage (from Brittany's grandmother)

Cute and Sweet to Rocker Chic

Written by: Madeleine
In Collaboration with: Brittany

How to do rocker chic when you're cute and sweet!

November in northern California is absolutely perfect. The weather everyday has that fine balance of the warm summer—like sunshine and the crisp winter breeze. Therefore, sometimes finding that perfect fall outfit is difficult. My advice is to do easy layers, so you can add on and take off. Here, I started with  simple boyfriend tee. Since the tee is a little oversized, it can look sloppy. So here's a little trick that has been come to known as "The Brittany Tuck." Take the middle of the bottom of the shirt and tuck it in right behind button of the pant or middle of a skirt. Then carefully, pull at the tuck to loosen it. Add a skinny belt if there are belt loops. "The Brittany Tuck" creates an effortless, yet chic look and it takes only a few seconds for added style.

For this outfit, I transformed a plain tee by adding pieces that have other visual interest. I wanted to do a "rocker chic" look that still fit my style. Since I am not as edgy and hardcore as other fashionistas, I stuck to staple pieces that I already had in my closet and felt comfortable in. But, I added one bold piece, the leather jacket. It is important to still feel like yourself and not to get lost in your clothes.

Like Stacy and Clinton say, make sure your outfit has texture, pattern, color, and shine. For texture, I have my Paige denim jeans on with a leather jacket, juxtaposing distressed with smooth. On the jacket, there is a beautiful, yet subtle quilt pattern. Shine plays a factor through the small hints of jewelry like my necklace, watch, and bracelets. When you layer these visual elements, a cohesive outfit unfolds instantly.

*** For more photos, visit our gallery!

Jacket: Hinge
Shirt: Gibson
Denim: Paige, "Verdugo"
Shoes: Rachel Roy
Sunglasses: Prada

Boyfriend Jeans, Season to Season

Written by: Madeleine
In Collaboration with: Brittany

Boyfriend jeans were so hot this summer. But now it's fall... Don't worry because that slouchy pant look is still in! Even if your BF jeans are a light wash, it is all about bringing that fall vibe into the outfit. Turn to the runway for inspiration! Some of the most popular fall trends include classic prints, like herringbone, plaid, and pinstripe, turtlenecks, knit beanies, folk-inspired pieces, shades of green, jewel tones, and punk-rock grunge. Find a look you love and run with it.

Personally, I love accessories. especially booties and hats. Here, I sported my summery jeans with adorable oxblood colored booties and a wide-brimmed black felt hat. I added some cute ruffle socks for a feminine, but cozy look!

*** For more photos, visit our gallery!

Boyfriend jeans: Current/Elliot, "Super Loved"
Booties: H&M
Hat: BLACK Saks Fifth Avenue

The Joy of Rachel Roy

Me and the beautiful and talented, Rachel Roy

Written by: Madeleine
In Collaboration with: Brittany


One of the best things about living so close to San Francisco is that there is always something happening. On the spur of the moment, a few co-workers and I decided to travel into the city to the Fall Fashion Festival in Union Square. For only one night, local retailers and designer stores celebrate fashion by staying open late and feature live music, free food, complimentary gifts, and host special events.

While we were wandering around, a Macy's sign caught my eye-- Special appearance by Rachel Roy. I immediately darted off to find the event, dragging my co-workers behind. Awkwardly, we were the first people to arrive and timidly entered a drawing to win a one-on-one styling session from Rachel Roy. Now, when I say I never win anything in my life, it is true. Except for this night. When they called the third name, I was shocked to here it was mine! And then a few names later, my co-worker's name was called too! I could not believe this was happening at all, even when I approached Rachel Roy, sitting quietly on a fold-out chair.

Meeting Rachel

I got to talk with Rachel for a little while and I explained what I was doing with my life currently and my aspirations for the future. Of course, she was nothing but kind and stunning and gave me some words of wisdom and inspiration.

One of her stylists took me back and we began to thumb through the racks of clothing. Such strong emotions of joy and excitement bubbled over inside me. I couldn't believe this was happening. I met Rachel Roy and I was being styled by one of her assistants! This moment, in itself, solidified the fact that I love what I am doing. After trying on a bunch of different things, I fell in love with a fit-and-flare dress and some sassy heeled booties for the fall.



As I strolled around the event after my purchases, I attracted more famous people as I ran into Katie, a blogger from Refinery 29! We swapped ideas and I picked her brain on how to make this site even more amazing! And of course, we hit up the photo op!

This night had to be the best fashion fairytale ever! Everything seemed to fall into place and magically unfold as the event developed. For such a spontaneous trip, it ended amazingly.

Get Coated

Written by: Madeleine

In Collaboration with: Brittany

Move over, leather! Coated denim is taking over! This fall coated denim is swarming the runways and department stores everywhere. Initially, coated denim only came in black, but now crimsons and red hues are being seen from several designers, such as J Brand. This twist on an American classic is easy to incorporate into your wardrobe. Pair it with a cute screen tee, like I did here, and a simple jacket for a rock-n-roll look. Or if you want a toned-down look, do an oversized sweater or loose cardigan and a simple top. 

In my experience, many women express their apprehensions about coated denim, saying that they are "too old" or "not cool enough." But once I get them into a pair of coated denim, they don't want to take it off! Mostly because it still fits the same way as your typical jean, but is trendy and stylish. Believe it or not, coated denim has the same stretchy and comfy qualities as a regular denim. The only difference is that the jean is treated with a special pigment; this pigment gives the denim a waxy finish that resembles leather, but maintains its stretchy denim feel. 

It is a must-have for the season!

*** For more photos, visit our gallery!

Coated denim: Citizens of Humanity, "Racer"
Booties: Enzo Angiolini, "Presley"
Jacket: Halogen
T-Shirt: Maison Scotch

Summer to Fall Wardrobe Transition

Summer Look

Written by: Madeleine
In Collaboration with: Brittany

With summer coming to a close, the days are getting colder and the nights are getting longer. Apart from beach trips ending and fewer pool days, the hardest thing about summer ending is transitioning your wardrobe into fall. This is why it is really important to buy pieces that are usable for multiple seasons. This includes layering pieces like button down oxfords and light cardigans.

In these shots, I am showing a summer to fall look. Obviously, this look can be dressed down or up. The summer look, which includes a J. Crew skirt and polka dot Madewell top, is perfect for a date or night out on the town. When a cardigan and fedora hat is added, the look can be worn for day during the fall. Mixing patterns, in this case polka dots and floral, is trending in magazines and shows everywhere. When mixing patterns, be sure that a common element ties them other. This could be as simple as relating colors or contrasting negative space. Also, it’s okay not to match... like most things, opposites do attract. Try a stripe with camo or a floral with tye-dye. To pull the fall look together, grab your favorite pair of booties. Booties can be your best friend during the fall and winter as they add another level of chic to your outfit!

Polka dot top: Madewell

Skirt: J Crew outlet

Booties: Rag & Bone