November 2014

Fellow Style Mavens!

If you feel like just controlling the kids over the holidays is enough of a feat, let alone dressing them well for all your festive engagements, then you can join the majority of tired, stressed, and overworked parents out there. My tip (as a non-parent, mind you) for getting the kids ready for the myriad of events this season, whether it be for school, a school activity, Church or family gatherings is to prepare in advance! If you make it a "special occasion outfit" with a few smart interchangeable pieces, then you will be set for all your upcoming events. If you keep the clothes as "special occasion only," then the kids will hopefully get excited to wear their Sunday best!

Recently I styled the outfits below for toddlers up to 4 years old for my Fashion Friday segment on WTHR. For those of you that missed it live, you can see the segment video here.

These outfits are so fun and festive, yet warmth and comfort play such an important role in clothing this time of year. I don't like to wear itchy or bulky outfits, so I can't expect that kids would want to either.

I love the Parisian inspired outfit above for a younger girl (around 18 months old) styled from Baby Gap. The cotton floral dress paired with warm red leggings, the navy blazer with bow detail, the ballet slippers, and the beret hat are all so feminine yet wearable. Your daughter would be happily playing all day in this sweet outfit.

This outfit above from Gap Kids is so festive and fashionable! The added touch of sparkle would have any little girl feeling just like a winterland princess and the red peacoat with toggle clasps is a stylish and classic way to keep her warm. We all know how chilly it can get in the big open school halls or even at Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

The big trend for boys right now is to look just like older siblings or even Dad. So the outfits I styled for the little guys in your family are almost like mini-me versions of bigger kid outfits. In the outfit above I've put together the festive patterned sweater with a shearling lined collar, paired with dark corduroy pants, brightened up by the chambray shirt half untucked for the "cool" factor, and finally the lace up boat shoes with leather accents. 

The outfit above is styled from Gap Kids for a 4 or 5 year old boy. He will feel so trendy with the dark denim and quilted jacket with a baseball cap to hide any messy hair days. The grey pullover is soft yet warm enough to wear on its own and the pop of red buffalo check pattern brightens up the outfit with the shirt and matching lining on the hiking boots. You'll notice that everything for the boys is cuff-able, so you can buy a size up and get a full season of wear, despite any holiday growing! 

Take note of my shopping tips and be prepared. Get your outfits planned early this year! Head to the Fashion Mall at Keystone and check out GAP Kids and Baby GAP for the looks above.

Happy shopping friends!

Bisous bisous 

Bronte xx

Now that the temperatures are finally dropping (albeit periodically when those arctic fronts blow through down south), it's always good to be prepared with a proper coat or jacket. These are four styles that you should have at least one of in your closet this winter.

1) Fur Coats – Whether you're into real or faux fur, it's always quite the statement piece. And you can find one in any price range. This Miu Miu Leopard Print Shearling Coat will keep you warm and stylish all season. A bold print coat is a go-to this year, or go for an un-natural color like pink or navy.

2) Puffer Coats – For the extreme cold, you can still stay stylish with a fitted puffer coat. No longer are they the marshmallow puffers, adding pounds to everyone. This Moncler puffer has a fur trim on the hood for that added touch of luxury.

3) Leather Jacket – My one must have tip for everyone is to have at least one good leather jacket. Sure it can be edgy and your go-to for casual days, but toss it over a dress in the evening to edge up any look. This J Brand Aiah jacket has all the details.

4) Wool Coat – This season continues with the oversize trend. So pick up an oversize cocoon, robe, cape, or blanket coat. While the oversize cocoon or robe may not be the most flattering, I find a cape or military style wool coat to flatter almost anyone. I'm just in love with this Vivienne Westwood Gaia Wool-Blend Cape. 

Remember to keep following me on the Style Setter site for the latest finds and trends from The Galleria.

xoxo,

issa

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Tis the season for boots! It's time to make sure you're stocked up with some of the hottest boot styles this season, from chelsea to over the knee. Here are just a few of my favorites that you should run to the store to get.

1) Over-the-knee boots – Really a style that started as a trend that's just a staple now. My favorite version is the Stuart Weitzman – Highland boot. This boot is everything to me. It can really turn any outfit into a "wow" outfit. And it comes in a few colors… if grey is too bold for you, go for the classic black version. And if the heel is daunting, there's always the lowland version which, in my opinion, is just as hot.

2) 50/50 Boots –  For those who have calf issues with boots, whether too big or too small, 50/50 boots are half leather, half elastic-y material so they can fit calves of varying sizes. Stuart Weitzman also wins my favorite in this style, but there are plenty of more affordable styles, like these INC 50/50 boots from Macy's.

3) Stiletto Ankle bootie – A nice high heeled ankle boot can edge up a look like a girly dress in no time. I'm in love with these Saint Laurent – Paris metallic leather boots. First they're gold, which is amazing, and second that silhouette is just perfect.

4) The everyday boots – I may like the look of high-heels, but I don't like the pain, so I always have a pair of flat or low-heeled boots when lots of walking is required. I just adore a low stacked heel ankle boot. They go perfect with skinny jeans or any mini-skirt. Added bonus with these Circus by Sam Edelman Reese Monk Strap boots is that pointed toe. The more pointed the toe, the better.

Remember to keep following me on the Style Setter site for the latest finds and trends from The Galleria.

xoxo,

issa

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Fellow Style Mavens!

This past weekend we welcomed the legendary brand "Rockwell Tharp" to The Fashion Mall at Keystone. One of the mall's newest store additions, Day Furs, hosted their grand opening event and to celebrate the occasion, the owners (who happen to also be the designers of this rock-western brand) were on hand to answer questions and meet with guests in-store all weekend.

Worn proudly by many celebrities around the world, Rockwell Tharp has quickly gained a cult following, especially from rock and western artists. The designer's huge range and customization availability has helped make these special boots so popular.

You can see below a few of the styles that were on display at Day Furs. One of my favorites the blonde cheetah cowboy boot.

In addition to boots, they also make hand woven and beaded bags such as the one shown below on the left. The classic leather bag below on the right shows a more conservative side to the brand.

As you can see, there is nothing ordinary about anything from Rockwell Tharp. If you're wanting to stand out in the crowd or make a personal fashion statement, then this brand is definitely for you. 

You can see how I styled my Rockwell Tharp boots here. So hop to finding your favorite this season and add it to your holiday gift list in time for Santa to stop by and pick it up for you! 

Happy shopping my friends!

Bisous bisous,

Bronte xx