Guest Post: Are You A Proactive Shopper?

Guest Post from my good friend and colleague Monchiere’ Commodore:

Monchiere’ Commodore currently is a national trainer for a major Biotech company.  She has been in the fashion industry, particularly as a model, for over 10 years.  Her modeling career has included modeling for various department stores such as Saks Fifth Ave and Dillard’s for an array of designers including Chanel, Escada, Tory Burch, Dianne von Furstenberg and St. John.   She has also made appearances on Wheel of Fortune and various other television programs as well. Monchiere has a passion for wardrobe maintenance and organization with her mantra being “take care of what you have and so you can have what you want”.  She is married with one child and resides in New Orleans, LA.

Monchiere's thoughts on being a proactive shopper in 2011:

As we get ready to close out 2010 and bring in the New Year 2011, it’s the perfect time for an end of year closet cleaning and reflection.  We have all seen tips on how to determine what items to keep in ours closets. Such include the need for the items to have been worn at least once in 2 yrs (unless it’s classics or specialty pieces), be in good or repairable condition, and it must be comfortable, well fitting or part of your wardrobe personality.  But I would also like for you to reflect on your shopping in 2010.  What were your best purchases?  Any regrets (like those cute shoes you may never wear because of a really high heel)?

Reflections like these are all important as we prepare for the New Year.  My goal in 2011 is to be a proactive shopper.  How about the idea of planning out most of my 2011 shopping?  I’ve started by asking myself “What are my most important items I need to buy for 2011?” …which for me is a black handbag and pumps.   Honestly evaluating what’s missing in my closet then developing a plan on how best to shop for these items. Reaching out to my favorite stores to see when they will have their largest sales on my future purchases.  Or maybe it’s shopping out of season for some of these new additions. 

Like many of you I have to be wise with how I spend my resources (time/money/etc) in this upcoming year.  Living on a budget (for both shopping and living expenses) and really sticking to it is critical in this economy.  Shopping smart means buying the best quality my money can buy without any buyers’ remorse.  No remorse in 2011.   Also by shopping smarter I can actually get more. 

So join me in 2011 as I aim to not only enjoy my shopping experience (which I really love to shop) but also get some great additions to my wardrobe.  Let’s be the best proactive shoppers in 2011.  

 

I’ve been eying these Jimmy Choos!  Still looking for the perfect black bag if anyone has any suggestions.

 

Monchiere-thank you for sharing your goals for 2011.   I must admit I like this concept of being a proactive shopper.  I will certainly plan more and be mindful and smart about the items I purchase in 2011.  

What are your thoughts? Will you be a proactive shopper in 2011?

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Guest Post: Are You A Proactive Shopper?

Jewel Valley Giveaway Winner

Thank you to everyone who entered the Jewel Valley Giveaway.  I am happy to announce the winner is Dawn with The Alternative Wife (# 18 using random.org)
 

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Jewel Valley Giveaway Winner

Family, Fashion, and our Favorite Handbags

Happy Holidays Everyone! I have been enjoying some quality time with my family in North Carolina and as you can see we got some snow here on Christmas.

My tall and gorgeous sister: Rachna

My super stylish mom: Kiran

My lovely sister in law (and new mom!): Hetal

 

Me 

My little Ariyana

Our Favorite Handbags:

1. Rachna-The Sac silverlake flap (currently on sale for $99 and available in many colors.  I think I might be ordering one of these in oyster or black)

2. Mom-Tory Burch norah satchel

3. Hetal-Michael Kors skorpios tote  (doubles up as her diaper bag and it is engraved)

4. Naina- My mom's vintage handbag from Kenya from the early 1970's

5. Ariyana-American Girl Bitty Baby and backpack

What is your favorite handbag to carry? 

Also, click here to enter the jewel valley giveaway.

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Family, Fashion, and our Favorite Handbags

Holiday Giveaway and Sponsor Welcome: Jewel Valley

Happy Holidays style'n readers!  Today we have a fabulous giveaway from Jewel Valley. Have you checked out their website? They have gorgeous handmade gemstone jewelry. And right now they have free worldwide shipping and a 10% discount on all gemstone jewelry using code: HOLIDAY.

The Giveaway:
Choose one these three lovely pendants.

To Enter:
1. Please visit Jewel Valley and check out their amazing jewelry and leave a comment letting me know which of these three pendants you would like to win.

For Additional Entries:
1. Feel free to follow style'n on Twitter,  Facebook, Bloglovin or Google Connect. 
2. Follow Jewel Valley on Facebook
3. Tweet about the giveaway  (http://bit.ly/hspQFt )

The giveaway has been extended.  It is open to all style'n readers and is open until midnight on Wednesday December 29th.  
I will announce the winner on Thursday December 30th.

Happy Holidays and Good Luck!!! 

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Holiday Giveaway and Sponsor Welcome: Jewel Valley

It's a wrap

(photo credit: 5 Rivers Studio)

Today is a crazy busy day as I wrap up at work for the year and pack for our trip to North Carolina this evening.  I am looking forward to relaxing and spending some quality time with Ariyana and the rest of the gang.  I will be posting during this time (but maybe not so regularly) so I hope you will stop by.  Also tomorrow I will host another fun jewelry giveaway for style'n readers so stay tuned. 

What are your plans for the holidays?

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It's a wrap

Style'n Holiday Gift Guide: $50 and Under

Here are a few of my favorite stylish and last minute gifts for $50 and under.  And in case you missed it my Holiday Gift Guide under $25 can be found here.

Have you finished up your holiday shopping?

1. Prismera leaves fragment necklace $45
2. Chanel le vernis reva $27
3. BCBG rhinestone cross body minaudiere $40.80
4. Michael Kors fisherman fingerless gloves $27.90
5. Kate Spade ticker tape mugs $50
6. Tory Burch holiday candle $45
7. Frenchi lightweight infinity scarf $18
8. Emma Stine boho crystal earrings $18
9. Vinturi essential wine aerator $31.99 (We have this and absolutely love it!)
10.Stella and Dot bardot spiral bangle silver $49
11.NARS follow the boys lipgloss set $40
12.Zhush zebra trays $40
13.Williams-Sonoma The Essential's of Baking Cookbook $34.95

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Style'n Holiday Gift Guide: $50 and Under

A Splash Of Red

Chanel sunglasses, Banana Republic top, Amrita Singh necklace, Gucci handbag, Citizens of Humanity jean leggings, Burberry riding boots

This past weekend I finally caught up on some sleep, ran on Saturday, and met up with friends at a couple of birthday and holiday parties.

And lately, as you have probably seen (here, here, here) my standard go to outfit on the weekends is jean leggings and boots.  I know I should vary my look a bit more but seriously it is such a comfortable and easy outfit.  I had to have my hubby snap a picture of Ariyana and me outside my friend's house because we both ended up wearing red and black.  It was not planned because I added this red Amrita Singh necklace right before heading out the door.

Red is one of my favorite color trends for the fall/winter. Have you added a splash of red to your fall/winter wardrobe?

 

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A Splash Of Red

Fall Family Portraits

The past couple of years I have gotten a bit lazy with not only sending out holiday cards but also getting professional family portraits taken.  So this year I thought it would be nice to take some fun casual  fall portraits.  And about those holiday cards....well maybe next year!

My good friend Martini took all these photos of us at the Boston Public Garden. She is a wonderful photographer and when she is not working at her day job or taking amazing street style photos for her blog Beyond Boston Chic, she takes professional photos for weddings, family portraits and other fun events. Check out Severin Photography to see her amazing work.


I wanted to coordinate our outfits but I did not want all of us to look the exact same and I wanted our outfits to reflect our personalities and individual style.  So I styled our outfits by using black and brown as our neutral colors. I kept mine and Aneesh's outfit solid and simple but I wanted Ariyana's outfit to be playful, colorful and fun.   Ariyana is wearing an orange and purple printed  Tea Collection dress with brown leggings.  I liked the purple in Ariyana's dress so to compliment this I wore a purple necklace and I put a purple hair clip in Ariyana's hair.   I also added denim into the mix with Aneesh's jeans and Ariyana's jean jacket.
 





(All images courtesy of Severin Photography)

Have a wonderful weekend!



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Fall Family Portraits

Friends, Fashion, and Favorites

Last night I got together my best friends for our annual holiday dinner.  We met up at a  new restaurant in the Backbay called Deuxave.  It was so nice to see everyone and catch up. We had so much to talk about that we actually had to go around the table and take turns providing our "life" updates. 

Nicole, Jen, and Monica

Alli, Naina, and Nicole
 

 I asked each of my friends to come prepared to share their favorite item in their wardrobe at the moment.  Here are our favorites.

Nicole is on trend with this stripe wool and cashmere poncho by Michael Stars

Jen loves outerwear right now and she was wearing a similar Patagonia down jacket last night.  This jacket is perfect for the extremely cold weather we are having in the Northeast right now! 

 Monica is pregnant so her go to outfit for comfort and style are black leggings and long cardigans.  Her beauty secret is this amazing Bio-Ionic Ibrush.  Doesn't she have gorgeous hair?

 
Nicole loves these Apepazza over the knee boots she scored at Rue La La. They look great on her long legs!

Alli loves this ring she found at a Holiday Market and she has been wearing it all the time.  Also, I could not help but notice her beautiful nails. She told me she just got a gel manicure.  Have you tried a gel manicure yet? I think I am going to give it a try over the holidays.

I love my black lace scallop dress from Loft and the styling options are endless. I have already worn it twice this past week.

What is your favorite item in your wardrobe right now?

Cheers to good friends and good times!

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Friends, Fashion, and Favorites

House of Harlow

(photo credit)

While we wait for Nicole Richie and Joel Madden's wedding pictures to emerge I thought I would share some of the gorgeous items from Nicole's House of Harlow jewelry collection.

Which one is your favorite?

1.  Five Stack Ring in Multi $98
2.  Short chain black leather necklace $193
3.  Red cabochon stone bangle $180
4.  Peacock cuff with enamel $189
5.  Cream leather starburst pendant necklace $79
6.  Gold onyx ring $75
7.  Starburst cocktail ring with abalone $76
8.  Gold aztec bangle with orange leather $79
9.  Leather stations necklace in black $79
10.Medallion earrings $44
11.thick stack bangle $54
12.horseshoe bangle $59

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House of Harlow

Stella and Dot Giveaway Winner

Thanks to all of you who entered the first style'n giveaway.  I am happy to announce the winner of the Stella and Dot double wrap bracelet is Lynzy (# 36 using random. org).   

Remember you can still get one of these double wrap bracelets or ANY other fabulous item at Stella and Dot for 20% off until December 31st. (use code Holiday10) 

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Stella and Dot Giveaway Winner

Current Obsessions

Ariyana: over the shoulder bags
Naina:    cross body bags
(see some of my favorite handbags here)

Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag, H&M tunic top, Loft necklace, Banana Republic holly sunglasses, Citizens of Humanity avedon slick skinny jean leggings, Aldo belt, Coach jacinda boots

Ariyana: pink flowy dresses
Naina:    aviator sunglasses and layered necklaces

What are you obsessed with right now?

And if you have not had the chance, click here to enter the Stella and Dot double wrap leather bracelet giveaway. I will announce the winner Tuesday!

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Current Obsessions