Dallas Frosty Fashion: Featuring Allison Mitchell, Kissue, & FM Fashion Music

The weather here in Dallas has finally dropped, so I headed out to Addison Circle to take some pics of how I layer, yet stay fashion-forward in the frostier weather. I always tell my personal shopping clients that layering is key for the cooler weather seasons. While it may appear that this concept is simple, it really could be a cinch if done correctly. The art to great layering is still having a consistent, fluid look as each piece is removed off of each other.

For this look, I took a basic black fashion FREEDOM tee from FM Fashion Music (pictured above) and layered it with a shearling vest from Kissue.  This ensemble by itself is perfect indoors.  As I stepped outside, I completed this already layered look with a leather jacket. I chose one of my shorter leather jackets to let the flaps from my Kissue vests hang out -- creating an assymetrical, yet warm appearance. Add in a great pair of slouch boots and how could I forget -- a fabulous Allison Mitchell foldover clutch for a pop of color and now I'm good to go!

 

 

 

 

All images from Addison Circle credit: Cameron Pate

 

 

Five Reasons Why Lysse' is a Must for Your Fall Wardrobe

Lysse' has been a brand that has been on my radar ever since I received a pair of their vegan leather ponte "riding" style leggings last year. The materials are high quality, the top band is designed to minimize the mid section "pooch" and most importantly the leggings truly flatter my figure.

Lysse', although recognizable for their leggings, is a brand that also has designer apparel from blouses to wraps to dresses that are also synonymous with comfort and flattering the feminine shape. I decided to try out one of Lysse's control tops and let's just say, I have never felt so comfortable and free. The built-in shaper/control top definitely flattened my stomach, slimmed my waist and allowed the top layer of the top to flow without any bumps or rolls in my appearance.

Lysse Vegan Leather Ponte Leggings and Damaris Short Sleeve Top in Thistle

For those reasons, here are my top 5 reasons why you should invest in Lysse' for your Fall Wardrobe:

1. Eco-Friendly: It seems like a wide range of brands these days are going for more eco-friendly and cruelty-free clothing options. With Lysse' they use vegan leather (which feels exactly like soft and smooth leather) which tends to be similar to the real thing, and affordable!

2.  Comfortable with Stretch: Need I say more?  Every woman needs this!

3.  Lined with Body Shaping / Control Top Materials: The Damaris short-sleeved top that I'm wearing in the pictures above is lined with a control top which I love. There are several blouses and tops with the Fall collection that have the control top feature and for most women who come to me for personal shopping and styling, this is the top requested item: especially for women who are battling post-pregnancy weight.

Lysse Ponte Vegan Leather Leggings

4.  Perfect for Layering: The Lysse' collection tops are perfect by themselves or with a moto jacket layer on top or even a creative cardigan sweater. Whatever your preference, these blouses can mix and match with anything.

5.  Built-In Tummy Flattener: Need I say more? The blouses have control top shapers and the leggings have built-in control tops to flatten the tummy as well.  This is a brand after my own heart!

Lysse' is available at Nordstrom's and can also be explored by visiting their site at www.lysse.com.

All images taken and credited to Thomas Garza for Thomas Garza Photography.

Who Wore It Better: Blair Eadie or Courtney Kerr?

It's the battle of two of my favorite fashion bloggers: Blair Eadie of Atlantic-Pacific and Dallas' own Courtney Kerr of What Courtney Wore.  I've noticed a TON of bloggers wearing the deep v-necked sweater with striped detailing on the edge of the sleeves and was quite intrigued when I caught both Blair and Courtney sporting the same look. 

Courtney's sweater is actually an oldie but goodie from Forever 21 but tells readers that it can be purchased from either Rag & Bone for $395 or Nasty Gal for $58. I can't say that I'm quite surprised, but Blair is wearing the Rag & Bone rendition of the ever so popular sweater.

So the question bids: Who wore it better? I have my thoughts but am curious to hear yours...

Blair Eadie of Atlantic-Pacific on the left and Courtney Kerr of What Courtney Wore on the right

Poppin with Print Blocking

So for the past several years everyone has been obsessed with color-blocking and mastering the art of layering one bright and bold color on top of another one...think having a fuschia blouse on with a mustard pencil skirt. And while I absolutely love color-blocking (when it's done right), it can be down right atrocious if you don't know what you're doing.

So now the fashion Gods have moved on....as they always do...and have placed more emphasis on print-blocking than color-blocking these days.  Don't worry if you've gone out and bought a ton of bold and bright colored tops and bottoms to color block..this trend is still in. If you can master prints on prints, you'll be more ahead of the game.  

This was simple print-blocking for me.  It was more of the printed TopShop romper paired with the crazy printed tights.  Prints on prints = FUN!

In my opinion, print blocking is much harder than color blocking. With print blocking, you can have a plaid print paired with paisley...or floral prints with stripes. While these seem completely opposite (they are), if done right, it can make for a completely fashion forward and unique outfit combination. If done wrong, and I've seen a TON of designers fashion shows where it was tres "wrong", then it will not be a good look.

So my first attempt at print-blocking was while I was headed to a photoshoot to shoot for a local accessories company.  I wanted to be comfy but fashionable...so I paired a striped dress with an animal print scarf and then two-toned wheat colored Tims.  Now if that's not a bold mixture of colors and prints, then I don't know what is.  All in all, I was very pleased with how this turned out and received a ton of compliments.  I can't wait to try it out again! 

Does This Skirt Make My Butt Look Big?

So I went into H&M several weeks ago to get this sweater that I had my eye on.  I've been into this big print movement and just wanted to try it out.  It's a huge oversized sweater that I can wear with a skirt or with leggings/jeggings.

All H&M Everything...Large Over-sized sweater, Leather skirt with Studs and textured tights

So of course I go into H&M and the sweater is only $14.95...so excited! If I'm going to wear a large oversized top then I always make sure to slim my bottom so that I don't look large.  It's a way of balancing the whole look out. So this leather studded skirt from H&M was perfect in mixing in a more fitted bottom and balancing out the huge sweater on top. If I ever want to slim it out, I can add a belt around the middle. The whole look was under $50, so score!

My favorite fall collection, Nic +Zoe

It's completely rare that I will have favorites when it comes to the world of fashion because there is just so much to choose from but.....(shhhhh don't tell anyone), I have crowned a favorite for this fall.  Vogue Magazine granted me an exclusive look at fashion brand, Nic + Zoe's, fall/winter 2013 collection--before it hits stands in major magazines in September! I am head over heels with the multiple print patterns and styles from this collection.  All I can envision is pairing these looks with over the knee stiletto boots or booties.  But....I live in Texas, so boot season is somewhere far off in the distance right now. :(

I'm so excited to share this with you all. Take a look at some of my favorite styles and selections...don't be surprised if you see me sporting one of these in one of my next posts!

(Photo credit: Mario Sorrenti; Model: Anja Rubik)

For being a loyal follower, enjoy 30% off your first purchase from nicandzoe.com by using promo code VIPF0813. (Promo code only good for a limited time)

Fall's A'Comin'...so "Fall" in love with Clarks

So I was one of 25 bloggers chosen by Vogue to show how I would style the new Lida Sayer boots from Clark's Fall collection.  I received my boots as a gift from Vogue last week and chose my look below to show how I would style the boot.  Since I live in Texas, I mixed shorts with a short-sleeved sweater to make the outfit "Fall-inspired" but appropriate for Texas.  Since the boot had gold detailing on the buckle and towards the top of the boot, I really wanted to draw attention to these features which is another reason why I chose to wear shorts.  The neutral colors are a great balance for Fall along with my teal pop of color shown with my bangles.  For  more style inspiration with Clarks, check out the photos below! (All photos were taken by Thomas Garza and my make-up was done by Melanie Ann.  Sunnies by Kate Spade....Sweater, Belt and Shorts by Express)

My ad creation for the Clark's Fall shoe collection created through the Vogue Influencer's Network style statement tool, pretty cool huh?

Another ad I created with the Vogue Influencer Style Statement Tool!

Pin-spiration

I (like many other social media fanatics) am addicted to Pinterest. From outfit ideas to recipes to make-up demonstrations, Pinterest is one of my favorite social media apps right now. So one morning at 3:30AM, I woke up out of a dead sleep and couldn't fall back to sleep and of course got on Pinterest and found my outfit for the next day. What do you guys think??? I'm on the right and the Pinterest pin is on the left. I highly suggest that if you need inspiration for anything: home, travel, fashion, etc....check Pinterest out!