By Michelle A Heath, on 08.19.10 | A dear friend recently Tweeted…
WTF are jeggings? #clueless
Dear Clueless, have no fear, your answer is here.
Take one part jeans. Add one part leggings. A dash of spandex. Maybe even some polyester or lycra. And, voila, you have yourself a jegging.
Jeggings really hit the style scene last Fall as models started parading them around paired with sky-high stilettos or knee-high riding boots. Though model I am not, I bought one pair last Fall at my fave local jean store in the North End, Injeanius, and was hooked.
What’s so great about jeggings?
1. They are the most comfortable pair of jeans you will ever own that actually look GOOD and are comfortable – something not typically attained in the fashion department.
2. They are NOT, I repeat not, leggings. Please dear fashionista, promise me you will never ever wear leggings as pants outside of your house. Promise? Phew, we got that over with. Jeggings have all the stylings of jeans – stitching, grommets, hems – but all the stretch and comfort of a legging.
3. They fit like a glove. Jeggings create a slimming effect, which is contrary to popular belief. I’ve heard people say they fear looking like a stuffed sausage. I say, try them and see for yourself. Just like a regular jean, you might need to try a few different brands to find the perfect fit.
4. They are generally cheaper than a pair of True Religions. Most jeggings I’ve seen run under $100. Rue La La just had James Jeans jeggings for under $70 – a steal!
5. They honestly go with everything. A tank and flats. A hot night-on-the-town top and stilettos. A jacket and boots. The slim style is especially great with boots – no pant overhang. I hate it when that happens.
So, I urge to to test-drive the jeggings style jeans for Fall and see what happens. Be careful you might become addicted like me.
PS: Have you tried jeggings? Would love to hear if you are in love, like, hate…tell me all about it.
By Michelle A Heath, on 06.18.10 | This week’s pick of the week brought to you by my new favorite shoe site, EndlessShoes.com. I love this online shoe store because 1) free overnight shipping on new styles (i.e. get it wicked fast), 2) they have awesome styles and selection (i.e. look wicked good) and 3) their brands are a step-above Zappos (i.e. no offense zappos but a girl needs variety).
The city girl’s dilemma is always looking hip and stylish while walking the cobblestone-studded streets riddled with subway heat vents, gutters and sinkholes. Wearing your gorgeous stilettos in this urban footwear minefield can often result in the oh so famous twisted ankle or better yet, the broken-off heel of a well-made shoe. What’s a girl to do? Well, crocs (gasp) are certainly not an option and sneakers are so 1992 and flip flops, which I love, can get old after a while. So, I’ve been on a hunt for a stylish pair of flat sandals to walk to and from work and where ever else I need to walk in the city. They are the “walk to work and then change in to your fancy shoes” shoes.
Alas, I have found them.
The brand is Ziginy and these sandals have the delicious balance of, dare I say, comfort and style. Every style has it’s own bling. Studs, chains, rhinestones, beads. It’s all in there. You decide how much. Now, you need to know that I do not buy shoes for comfort. If a pair happen to be comfortable, it’s like getting an extra scoop of icecream for free or finding a $20 bill in your pocket. It’s lucky. (I know, there’s probably a support group for that too.)
Well, regardless of whether you’re looking for a stylish sandal to parade around town or a comfy sandal to chase after the kids, the Ziginy brand delivers on both. FTW!
By Michelle A Heath, on 06.08.10 | Okay, I admit it. I have a thing for these sample sites. They lure me with their great deals and saucy heels and, a while back, I fell prey to too much sample sale shopping. They need a support group for that. But alas, I am now a much pickier shopper. I look for great brands AND great bargains. I often wait a bit to make sure I really love it. And, dear fashionista, be sure to read the fine print about returns (often no returns on accessories and merch credit for clothing.)
In any case, fast forward to today. I was on Ideeli and spotted this crazy adorable black clutch by Ava Rose Handbags. I said to this supple leather beauty, you must be mine. You might be wondering why I bought it. Well, something you may not know about me is that everything I buy has “criteria”. Yeah, I mean a list of reasons why I should buy it. Why? It’s the only way to make sure it will make an impact on my wardrobe enough for me to buy it. Here’s how my stylish brain works. So, I see this bag. I look it over – alot. Zooming in and out, reading and estimating dimensions, googling the manufacturer. Then I said to myself, here’s why I think this bag is a good purchase:
1. It’s unique. You won’t see many gal pals strutting around town with this beauty.
2. It’s a great size. I can fit my iPhone, pocket mirror, lipgloss, keys, gum, camera and probably even a light sweater in this clutch.
 Ava Rose "Bianca" Clutch $62 @ Ideeli 3. The colors are neutral but not. It’s black but the metallic and red piping is sure to go with just about everything in my closet. So it’s a neutral bag but has really interesting accents that kick it up a notch.
4. It’s a bargain. Retail price: $198. Ideeli price: $62. I will take a 60% discount on a gorgeous leather bag that I will use all the time, any time.
5. It’s rocker chick. It is called the “Bianca” and maybe that’s why it reminds me of an underground British club and a rocker chick in leather pants and teased out hair. I like to let my inner rocker chick out every once and a while and this is a great, well-priced way to do it.
In addition to this beauty, there are 2 other styles, which I also loved. These are going to go fast, so go to Ideeli now using my fancy link (so I get some referral juice) and get yourself a stylish clutch. Do you have criteria when you shop? I’d love to hear about how you make your purchases. Do share!
By Michelle A Heath, on 06.04.10 |  Want to spice up your summer wardrobe? Looking for something to do tonight? How about some Proseco, apps, style and jewels – oh, and a bunch of stylish ladies? I am proud to host the North End’s first Stella & Dot style party. Haven’t heard about this fabulous line of jewelry? Well, take a look. My good friends, Jesse Pezzullo and Jennifer Tobasky, are the Stella & Dot stylists coming to share the goods at tonight’s style party. The line boasts everything from fun multi-strand beaded necklaces to beautiful enamel cuff bracelets.
If you know me, you know I luv accessories. I have more accessories than I know what to do with. Some call it an addiction, I call it a cost-efficient way to transform an outfit or a wardrobe. The challenge with some pieces or lines of jewelry is that they can often make a statement but are a “one-outfit” type of accessory. I have some of those and rarely wear them. What I love about the S&D line is that each piece makes a statement but is versatile at the same time. For example, think of the endless ways to wear this Bocca Necklace.
 Bocca Bee Necklace Maybe a white tee-shirt with jeans. Or a strapless turquoise or yellow top with a skirt or white jeans. Or a silk or crisp cotton blouse with a pencil skirt. Or go sexy with a black tube top and skinny jeans and a great stiletto or wedge sandal – yowzah, mamasita. Another big trend right now is the cuff bracelet. You see them everywhere and all the celebs are wearing them. The biggah the bettah. Embellished, enamel, multicolored, stacked, anything goes. I love this S&D cuff. Think of it paired for every day with shorts and a tank, a sundress or capri jeans and a tee. Or for night with a fun top and jeans or even a party dress. Versatility and style – a girl’s best friends.
 Kelly Cuff Bracelet So, here’s to a fun, stylish and versatile dose of summer style. The party starts at 7:30 at my house. I’d love to have you stop by. You can reach me directly at michelle(at)thestylisheye.com and I can give you the details. Oh, and if you can’t come but see something you love, I can hook you up with that too. Here’s to a fun night with Stella & Dot!
By Michelle A Heath, on 05.10.10 | I hate cargo pants. Yeah, yeah, I know. They are one of the top-selling pant styles for both men and women. But I just don’t get this trend. Why would I want to wear pants with huge pockets on the sides of my hips and thighs and on my butt? Do most women want to look 10lbs heavier? Not the ones I know. And, really, what do you do with all those pockets? If you put crap in the pockets, then you’re sure to not only look 10lbs heavier, but also look 10lbs bulgier (is that even a word?). Heavy and bulgy are not words this fashion maven can stomach. As for the cargo, I’ve seen them on all types of bodies and I still don’t like ‘em.
Until now.
I found these J Brand Cargo pants a few months back in one of my style mags. I love the brand – J Brand is known for great denim and styling – and I love that they look like cargos but are more like a skinny jean with cargo-like styling. No giant, bulgy pockets to clutter up your oh so lovely frame. Just a few styled, relatively useless pockets that are more like cargos for walking down Newbury Street than hiking Mount Washington. I also adore the cropped look and zipper styling on the ankles – I am still an 80’s girl at heart, you know.
 J Brand Cargo Pants $231 They’ve been out of stock for months and Revolve just got a fresh new shipment in. Order up! They are going fast so get them while they last. Finally, cargo pants I can dig.
By Michelle A Heath, on 01.20.10 | If you haven’t become a Rue La La addict yet, it’s bound to happen soon. Rue La La is the online shopping site for people who love famous brands, star-style and the magic of discovering a great deal. For those of you who know me, you know that I am the girl that manages to find the $750 bag for $99 at TJ Maxx. (Ah, the perils of my stylish eye.) Rue La La is the ultimate destination because of their fabulous prices, great brands and their ability to get you to act..fast. You see, a “boutique” will open for say 48 hours. The countdown begins. Love that ToyWatch? Better scoop it up or it will be gone in seconds. Want those Prada boots? Fuggedabout it. Gone in minutes.
As if that all isn’t enough, Rue La La gives members a $10 credit for inviting other members to join. Great way to incentivize people to do their marketing. Want to join? Here’s my referral link. Pay it forward, baby. 
 L.A.M.B. "Zada" Nude & Forrest Leather Sandal Now, on to the ooh la la. For the next 2 hours, you’ll find one of my favorite fabulous and stylish brand on Rue La La. L.A.M.B. Who can resist the most stylish, Gwen Stefani, and her L.A.M.B line of shoes? These coveted, funky, sexy kicks get better and better each season but typically run over $350 (thus my coveting them). Until noonET today, on Rue La La, they are over 50% off. Yes, my dear fashionista, you can now make Gwen proud by strutting your stuff in your deal of the century.
My only word of caution with Rue La La? Don’t fall prey to “I’ll come back later”. I have done this before and would peruse Rue La La, look around, put a few things in my bag and…come back later only to find out that they were gone. If you love it, buy it. Don’t wait only to miss out on a terrific deal. They have a 30 day return for merchandise credit for pretty much all items. Go get yourself some ooh la la today!
By Michelle A Heath, on 01.11.10 | It’s winter here in New England, in case you haven’t noticed. That means bye-bye bare legs and hello bundle up. I did see a girl walking down the street in the North End today wearing a skirt and Uggs. Um, yeah, that’s nuts when it’s 22 degrees out. So, in my effort to be stylish and warm, I have been on the hunt for cool legwear. I’m not talking your average tights from the bargain bin. I’m talking funky designs, luxurious fabrics and no-tear wearability.
I am proud to tell you, my fellow style maven, I have found them and I am addicted.
 Wolford Diamond Stripe Tights Wolford has been around pretty much since the invention of panty hose and quickly took what was becoming mass-market and turned it into a luxury brand. They premiered the Perlon seemless stocking back in 1954 and continued to innovate women’s hosiery through the 60’s with synthetic yarns, to the 70’s ladder-proofing patented process to the 80’s with a partnership with LaPerla and into the 90’s with the launch of beautiful lingerie and swimwear to expand the line. Wolford’s hosiery is absolutely beautiful. They have everything from plain black panty hose to a saucy pair of tights with knee-high boots stiched into the fabric. (Serious sauce!) I just love how they are willing to take a risk with design and give women a fun accessory – for legs. I am digging the Diamond Stripe Net Tights and the Flora cheeta-print tights are just to die for. I will tell you that these beauties come with a price of close to $60 per pair. Yes, I know, my stylista, steep indeed for hosiery. But, I will tell you that in addition to their fabulousness, I read a story about a woman who had her pair of Wolford hose for close to 10 years. I certainly cannot say the same for my bargain bin one-season tights.
Go ahead, bundle up and let those legs be your stylish accessory.
By Michelle A Heath, on 10.18.09 | The biggest question I’ve had over the past few weeks is…”What’s your top-five must-haves for Fall?” I’ve been thinking about it alot and, I’ll tell you that it’s not easy to pick only 5 must-haves for Fall. It’s hard to pick only a handful of things to add to your wardrobe when confronted with the many choices of great Fall trends. But, IMHO, these trends will survive more than one season and will easily mix, match and update your wardrobe in no time. Why 5? It’s easy to remember and nice to your wallet. So, focus on the Fab Five and consider it your personal shopping list. Each picture is a link to the item in case you want to consider adding it to your Fall wardrobe. Here goes…
 Robbi & Nikki Bow Shoulder Chiffon Top @ Nordstrom 1. Leopard-print anything. There’s nothing like a little call of the wild to spice up your Fall wardrobe. It’s an interesting trend that keeps coming back every few years. This year I’ve seen boots, pumps, belts, scarves, blouses, sweaters and coats (okay, the coat goes too far). I have a leopard-print J.Crew sweater that I bought about 10 years ago and it has somehow survived the test of time. Look for more “subtle” versions of the big cat, which will likely mix and match easier with the other items in your closet. I love this flouncy beauty – great shoulder detail and goes great with Fall Fab #2 and #4.
2. Ankle boots. I bought several pairs of these last season including an amazing pair of purple leather Faryl Robins, which I have already worn several times this season.
 Pour la Victoire grey woven patent 'Elise' ankle booties @ Blue Fly I am semi-obsessed with ankle booties and believe they will last more than one season. Here’s what’s great about ankle booties…there’s alot of different ways to wear them. You can wear them under a straight leg or bootleg pant or jean, which is a nice alternative to a tall boot against your skin all day or all night. You can wear them with a pair of skinny jeans for a very hip look a la Fall Fab #4. You can pair them with a super-opaque pair of tights and a short skirt. I think these grey patent leathers would look Fab with a red plaid miniskirt or kilt and black tights.
3. Colorful, textured scarves. Scarves were everywhere on the run-way and in the fashion mags. Everything from bright colors to ruffles to lace trim. Scarves are a great fall and winter accessory for a bunch of different reasons. They can take a very simple black blazer or navy pea-coat and add a serious punch of color and interest.
 Hollywood Intuition Rouched Scarf in Purple @ Target Scarves draw the eye up to your oh, so fab face – what’s better than that? They are a great way to update your wardrobe on a shoestring. Target, Kohls and all the discount stores have some great scarves for under $20. I say pick up a few different colors or patterns and see how you can mix and match them with your Fall wardrobe. PS: This Target scarf is UNDER $10. Now that’s a must-have!
4. Skinny jeans. I can’t get enough of these staple jeans. I love the J Brand jeans – they have great stretch and come in a fabulous dark wash and a super dark black wash.
 J Brand Jeans 910 Super Skinny Jeans in Ink @ Cusp They are great when paired with a long or flowy top or a layered cardigan and long tee. Contrary to popular belief, these jeans work on a wide variety of body types. I’ve heard so many women say “I could never pull those off!” Then, they try them on and they look amazing. But, if you don’t feel you can pull off the super-skinny look, try a straight-leg instead of the wider bootleg. It’s a nice change, an update for Fall and looks great with Fall Fab #1 and #2.
5. Long, layered necklaces. Again, another trend I can’t get enough of. I’ve seen lots of mixed metals, which is a fun way to combine gold and silver for a new look.
 Aqua Multi Chain with Flower Necklace @ Bloomingdales It’s a great way to integrate the embellished “rocker-chick” look that is a big trend this Fall and do it in an inexpensive way. A fab, long necklace can transform an outfit from blah to bling and take a tired dress or top and breathe new life into it. The runway is showing everything from pearls (not your grandmother’s pearls, mind you) to flowers, to chains to beads. I love this black and gold 22″ necklace from Aqua. It’s a great combo of feminine flowers and bows with rocker mixed metals…and a steal at $35. I think I might have to get one for myself.
As I think about how to make your Fall wardrobe fabulous, it’s not about buying an entirely new wardrobe – who has the time or money? It’s about picking a few great trends and transforming or rejuvenating your existing wardrobe. Now that’s smart and stylish.
There were so many other items that I could have thrown into the mix but these were my top picks. So, what’s on your Fall Fab list? Would love to hear your style ideas.
|
|
