Hot Heels!

Looking to add some sizzle to your style?

Steve Madden

Swapping out the sneaks or flats for some height will make an instant impact.  I hit Steve Madden, BCBGMAXAZRIA and Aldo to check out the latest looks.

An animal print, heeled bootie, like the style below from Steve Madden, can elevate a denim and casual, long sleeve tee look and play equally well with a skirt or dress.

Show your Wild Side

Need some inspiration for a night out? Check out these pairs from Steve Madden.  While each look clearly has its own personality, they’re all about detail… lots of detail.

Steve Madden will get your ready for a night on the town!

Black and gold, paired together, as seen on the buckled cut-out bootie above and on the looks below from BCBGMAXAZRIA, are hot coupling!

BCBGMAXAZRIA

There are shoes that become accessories to outfits and outfits that accessorize shoes. There’s no doubt —  a pair like this one deserves to inspire the rest of your outfit. Note the merge of ladylike and mod detail with lace and studs.

Ladylike Meets Mod

Here’s another take on the lace look from BCBGMAXAZRIA.  These pumps exude elegance.

Exudes Elegance

Next stop — Aldo. Love the buckle detailing.  An unexpected color like merlot can almost be treated as a neutral. It pairs well with black, brown, grey, navy and a number of other hues. This look almost feels like the merging of a bootie and pump.

Aldo

Have the winter blues? Combat them with more blue! Cobalt is getting lots of mid-winter play and popping up in clothing and accessories.  This standout style is also from Aldo.

Pop of Cobalt

Here’s another twist on an animal print look. These booties, with a zebra patterned heel, also feature a stylish open toe.

A Touch of Zebra

If any of these heels could move into your closet, which ones would you pick?

Animal Prints are HOT for Fall!

Animal print is getting lots of play for fall. It’s a style that’s timeless yet couldn’t be more on trend! You can work it into your professional wardrobe, wear it casually on the weekends and strut it out at night.

I spotted this top at Caché (Level 4). Pair it with a suit or cardi for work. You can also wear a top like this with jeans or a skinny pant. Amp up the look by adding on a leather (faux is fab too) skirt or pant.

Caché

Go glam in an animal print dress, like this one. Add on gold accessories or a pop of color to change up the look.

Animal Print Jacquard Sheath Dress

I tend to gravitate to leopard prints and am thinking of adding some zebra and snake patterns to the mix.  Along with the standout pattern, note the keyhole detailing on this sweater dress.

Triple Keyhole Sweater Dress

Sizzle in snakeprint!

Pretty in Python

You can also find animal prints featuring bold colors, such as this red scarf from Ann Taylor (level 4).

Ann Taylor

This season, Ann Taylor is showing many animal print pieces that can become an instant wardrobe staple. A sweater like the black and white one, pictured on the left below, can go with just about anything.

Ann Taylor

Even a little animal print can go a long way. Here’s a peek at just some of the animal print you’ll find at Aldo (Level 3).

Aldo

I’ve never seen animal print for guys. A manager at Aldo showed me these men’s shoes.

Animal print for men at Aldo

If you’re looking for snake print on your shoes, head to Call it Spring (Level 3). You can go subtle, as done on the brown bootie, or go for a full snake print.

Call it Spring

I also featured an animal print look from The Limited (Level 3) last weekend in a Fall Trends segment on WBAL-TV 11 News. You can watch the segment here.  And if you’re looking for an animal print handbag, I spotlighted two of them recently on the blog.

What is your favorite way to wear animal print?

Fall Trends segment on WBAL-TV 11!

I showed hot Fall Trends on WBAL-TV 11 this weekend.

Click on the image below to check out the segment.

Fall Trends!

What trends are you most excited about for fall?

Let me know if there is a trend you want to try and don’t know how to work it into your look? I’m here to help.

8 Hot Handbags!

I hit Towson Town Center for a whirlwind shopping spree this week for HANDBAGS to feature here. With so many colors, shapes and sizes out there, it’s near impossible to choose just one.

These are the kinds of bags that just may inspire you to build your outfit around your bag instead of the other way around.

Here are 8 picks!

Animal print is huge for fall. Check out this standout take on the style from Michael Kors (Level 2), with red and black cheetah print.

Michael Kors

You can find this animal print tote at Lucky Brand Jeans (Level 4). Along with the studded detailing, there is a an attached studded coin purse.

Lucky Brand

While in Lucky Brand Jeans, this “haute red” satchel stole my attention too.

Lucky Brand

You can wear this tote from Ann Taylor (Level 4)  two different ways. Unzip for added space and style!

Ann Taylor

When you unzip, a pop of print gets revealed.

Unzip for a pop of polka dots

If you’re leaving the office to grab a quick bite or going out for dinner and don’t want to take your entire purse, a little clutch can come to the rescue. Consider keeping a clutch in your larger bag for times when you don’t need to carry everything with you. The double sided feature on this clutch will keep you organized.

Ann Taylor

Over at Call it Spring (Level 3), I found this rich hued tote with studded detailing.

Call is Spring

I tend to go for bags with compartments. If only I could remember to put my keys in the same pocket every time, I would buy myself back many minutes a day! I also spotted this fun green bag at Call it Spring.

Call it Spring

  Here’s another green find. This cheery tote is from Aldo (Level 3).

Aldo

If you could take home one of these bags, which would be your top pick?

Tune into WBAL-TV Morning News this Sunday (9/22) in the 7 am half hour to catch my segment on hot fall trends!

Trendy & Tax Free Finds!

Get a jump on your fall wardrobe tax free! Maryland Tax Free Week runs through this Saturday (8/17).  Here’s how it works — you don’t have to pay tax on qualifying clothing and shoes, priced under $100 per item.

Here is a snapshot of just some of the kinds of trendy looks you can take home tax free!

For fall, animal prints are hot! A top like this one from Ann Taylor (level 4) can take you from desk to dinner to weekend. You can layer it with a sweater, suit jacket or wear it on its own. Finish the look with a pencil skirt, trousers or skinny jeans and boots!

Ann Taylor

A go-to cardigan like this one from Eddie Bauer (level 4) is a fall must-have. It’s an easy layering piece that can double as a jacket on a crisp day. Pattern play, as done on the tank from Lucky Brand Jeans (level 4) is also hot. Wear it now on its own and as a base layering piece later. This striking top from Forever 21 (levels 1 and 2) is all about feminine detail.

Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand & Forever 21

Treat Chambray as a go-to neutral. It works with any color or pattern.

Aeropostale

In the dress department, check out this hi-lo look from Forever 21. Add a denim jacket or cropped cardi in black or a pop of color once the temps fall.

Forever 21

Need a work look? The colorblocking trend continues this fall. This dress is from Francesca’s Collections (level 4). The colorblocking lines add figure flattering definition.

Francesca’s Collections

Stand out in a layered skirt look like this one from H&M (levels 1 & 2). The lace detail at the bottom is stunning.

H&M

Here’s another H&M find. Faux leather pants have been on my wish list for years. I had my heart set on black but the chocolate brown may win over.

H&M

Dressing a bump? Here’s a tax free look from Destination Maternity (level 3).

Destination Maternity

See individual stores for availability and pricing.

The savings really adds up fast when you stack tax free shopping with special promotions and markdowns. Along with building your fall wardrobe, you can find some amazing end of season steals.

Did you catch my post featuring Back-to-School styles from Gymboree & Naartjie Kids? You can pick up some great deals with Tax Free Week and special sales.

FASHION FIX: A Work Wardrobe!

Elizabeth Carr, a mom of four kids under 8, is getting ready to care for a 5th “baby!”  She and her husband are launching a concierge medical practice in Lutherville this fall.

Elizabeth asked for help putting together a professional wardrobe. Read on to see what we scored during her FASHION FIX styling session with me at Ann Taylor (Level 4).

Ann Taylor, Level 4

Our mission started with a quest for suits to wear at the office. Once we saw all the mix and match separates at Ann Taylor, we changed up our approach. Don’t get me wrong — I believe every woman needs at least one perfectly fitting suit. From there, separates can stretch your wardrobe further than traditional matched suiting sets. We filled a dressing room with a black suit, patterned separates in stripes and animal print, and some pops of color.

Ready to start trying on our finds…

There’s nothing basic about this black suit when you add the animal print top and coral touch. With black and white animal print, you can accessorize with ANY color.

Nothing basic about this black suit look!

Watch how the looks multiply with just a few separates. The suit jacket plays well with the animal print skirt and a yellow-green top. You can give an instant color boost with the textured “Lime Sorbet” jacket. This fitted blazer is the kind of gem that can take you from work to a night out to weekend. It would work equally well with jeans and a tee.

The skinny black ponte pants are my favorite item in my closet! They are as comfortable as wearing leggings and don’t wrinkle! Pair them with pumps and a blazer as we’ve done here, or do a casual top or sweater with high boots.

Watch the looks multiply!

Just the addition of one more piece presents even more options! This coral top is all about detail. You can show the keyhole by day and reveal the neckline at night. I can see adding in a turquoise or lime green top to the mix as well.

Shaking up the Look

Peplum continues to be a hot trend for fall. This dress takes on a different vibe when you add on the yellow blazer.

Pretty in Peplum

I thought Elizabeth was in for some tough decision making. She knew exactly what she wanted to take home. She bought the animal print top, animal print skirt, the yellow-green and coral keyhole tops,  the textured “Lime Sorbet” blazer and black ponte pants.  She also scored a yellow beaded statement necklace. It was a steal on sale for just under $12.

Mission Accomplished

Good luck, Elizabeth! Hope you enjoy all your new clothes! Can’t wait to hear how it all works out.

GURU Style Star: Suzanne Caffaro

Meet Suzanne Caffaro, this week’s GURU Style Star. Love her crisp black and white look. The animal print top really jumps out with the white capris. I am guilty of always wearing black pants. Suzanne’s look is making me crave white ones!

Suzanne Caffaro

Suzanne scored her animal print top at Macy’s and the white capris from Victoria’s Secret (Level 4). She says she picked out this outfit for comfort and likes that she can as easily wear it out shopping and then to dinner.

Bold in Black & White

Now on to our Q&A…. 

Describe your style:

Comfortable, casual.

What is your favorite store in the mall and why?

Nordstrom. It has a little bit of everything.

 What styles are you looking forward to wearing this fall?

Bold color.  I love color.

If you could give fashion advice to a 20-year-old just starting out, what would you tell her?

Invest in some good staple pieces, classic timeless looks like white pants, crisp sharp black pants and build on that.

What is the most treasured item in your closet?

I just bought a Tadashi Shodji dress. It’s a navy blue, one-shouldered, fitted knee length dress. Macy’s carries Tadashi.

If I gave you $1,000 to spend anywhere at the mall, where would you go and what would you buy?

 I would probably go to the Coach (Level 4) store because I need a new purse.

Here are links to other recent GURU Style Star features.  The full archive is available here.

July 2013:  7/25 Montara Cureton, 7/18 Romisa Clark, 7/11 Annie Krall

GURU Style Star Montara Cureton

GURU Style Stars Romisa & Annie

June 2013:  6/27 Joan Ottenritter, 6/20 Caroline, 6/13 Michael Lindsay & Son, Michael Jr., 6/6, Jodi Blake

GURU Style Stars: Joan and Caroline

GURU Style Stars: Michael & Michael, Jodi

May 2013: 5/31 AnnaLance, 5/23 Jennifer Pleszkoch, 5/16 Sheena Jones,  5/9 Amy, Emerson and JoAnn, 5/2  Kenzie

May 2013 GURU Style Stars

Do you want to be featured here? Send me an email with a picture  and a little about your style.

HOT Fall Shoes at ALDO!

Colorblocked. Metal detailed. Cowboy inspired.

Those are just some of the hot shoe styles you’ll find at ALDO (Level 3) for this season. Booties continue to be a big trend!  The cobalt pair stole my attention the second I walked into the store.

Metal detail is also big! You can rock this style in flats, pumps or booties.

I asked store associate, Charles Abbott, to show me his top three picks! Click play for the reveal.

What are the top three pairs of shoes on your wish list? Let me know…

This blog is hosted by Weinberg Harris & Associates, 623 W. 34th St., Baltimore MD, 21211

12 Ways to Show Your Wild Side with Animal Prints!

When I bought a leopard print tote a couple years ago, I knew I loved it but wondered about it’s staying power…

IT’S STILL ONE OF MY FAVORITE BAGS!  I use it in all seasons and for just about any occasion — whether I’m lugging a laptop or toting toys and snacks for the kids.

Many trends come and go, but animal print is always hot! This fall, I’m seeing leopard, zebra and python patterns everywhere in stores. Here are 12 easy ways you can liven up your wardrobe with animal prints. Not feeling ready to do a patterned jacket or pant? Try a small pop with a clutch or shoes!

Caché

New York & Company

Caché

Michael Kors

The Limited

The Limited

Michael Kors

Michael Kors

The Limited

Aldo

Aldo

Aldo

See stores for availability and pricing.

Is there a trend you want to see featured on my blog? Let me know…

This blog is hosted by Weinberg Harris & Associates, 623 W. 34th St., Baltimore MD, 21211

5 Separates + 3 Accessories at Ann Taylor = 10 LOOKS!

It turns out that 5 +3 can = 10!

While in Ann Taylor (Level 4) the other day, I noticed how easily you can mix, match and create many looks with just a few key pieces. Using these 5 separates along with a bracelet, necklace and scarf — I put together 10 looks!

The Ingredients for 10 looks!

For the separates (pictured above left to right), I picked out the Crepe Cowl Neck Shell, the Ponte Zipper Pocket Skirt in Azurite, the White Leopard Camp Shirt, Modern Slim Leg Jeans in Luminous Yellow and the Silk Popover Camp Shirt in Jitterbug Pink.  I added in a fun polka dot bracelet, a statement necklace and a bright scarf.

Look #1: The animal print top plays well with the yellow jeans!  The yellow in the necklace ties the look together. I also added in the black and white polka dot cuff for fun.

Black and White Patterns Pair Well with Colored Denim!

A Closer Look at the Cuff

Look #2: Swap in the Crepe Cowl Neck Shell and the outfit takes on a different feel.

A Sleek Look

The top has exposed zipper detailing on the back.

Exposed Zipper Detailing

Look 3: Colorblocking continues to be a hot trend! Create your own colorblocking look. A scarf is a quick way to add a third color to the mix!

Create Your own Colorblocking Style

Look 4:  You can also show off your colorblocking style with this Jitterbug Pink top. It can be worn out or tucked in with a belt.

Another Way to Colorblock

Look #5:  Time to introduce a different bottom to the mix. This Azurite skirt is more versatile than you may imagine.

A Bold Look

Look #6: The scarf and cowl neck top are coupled back together. If you’re packing for a weekend away, you can wear the scarf and top one day with the yellow denim and the next with the Azurite skirt.

Bring out the Blue!

Look #7:  The top and skirt worn on their own also work well. Complete the outfit with your favorite black boots!

Simple and Sophisticated

Look #8:  The outfit takes on a more playful tone when you add the statement necklace.

A Little Pop of Color Goes a Long Way!

Look #9: This animal print top is a perfect match to any color bottom!

Black, White & Bright Blue!

Look #10:  Add the scarf to the  mix.

Add a Second Dose of Blue!

So, which look is your favorite? Let me know… 

Seeing how you can create so many looks from just a few pieces has really made me rethink my shopping strategy. From now on, if a top or bottom can’t mix and match with multiple pieces, it gets the BOOT!

This blog is hosted by Weinberg Harris & Associates, 623 W. 34th St., Baltimore MD, 21211