How to Create a Stylish Rainy Day Outfit

I’m here in New York this week and it’s been rainy and chilly compared to the weather I left at home in Southern California.  Ever since watching Anne Hataway’s “coat montage” in The Devil Wears Prada, I’ve always said I wish I lived somewhere I could layer and wear more coats.  Since it’s been rainy here, I thought a post on stylish rainy day wear was appropriate.

The first and core part of any rainy day ensemble is a trench coat.  As a stylist, this is a basic core wardrobe essential that I believe everyone needs to have in their closet. It’s a timeless, classic coat that can be dressed up or down.  I would recommend spending a bit more on a trench because it’s something you will have forever if you purchase a high-qualitly brand.  There is trench for everyone’s budget.  Check out Ralph Lauren’s Eudroa trench coat {$179} for a classic white option this spring.

What is rainy day wear with out rain boots?  I must admit living in Southern California I don’t have much need for them, so I never owned a pair until this year.  Our winter was plenty rainy and I have gotten so much use out of my boots and just have fun wearing them.  Try a pair of Hunter’s Original tall boot {$115} in the color of the year, turquoise. Not only will your feet stay warm and dry but you will add a fun pop of color to your outfit.

A scarf is not only a great layering piece to protect you against the elements but can adds another fun dimension to your overall look.  Try Virginia Johnson’s beetle print scarf {$190} for an understated chic addition to your rainy day look.

When it’s rainy it’s great to have a large stylish tote so your hands can be free, especially if you need to carry an umbrella around or just quickly run in from the rain.  I love Burberry’s drawstring tote {$550}.  It’s a perfect neutral color that will go with a lot in your wardrobe.

Add a fun statement piece of jewelry since most people will not be seeing what you are wearing under your coat. Check out Kara by Kara Ross cocktail ring {$150}.  This is a great versatile piece that can be worn with many other options.

Have fun creating your rainy day outfits. Just because it is raining and gloomy outside does not mean your wardrobe has to mimic the weather!  If you have any questions or need styling advice feel free to contact me directly.

Ruffles & Pastels for Spring

I’m currently coveting ruffles and pastels. For me that’s a big statement as I usually mix my tailored, classic style with a bit of rock n’ roll edge. Maybe it’s the springtime weather that has finally got me getting in touch with my romantic side. Pastels usually remind me of Easter and not in a good way, but I am loving the soft rose color of this gorgeous Valentino asymmetric ruffled top. This color looks amazing against all skin tones and the ruffles are not over the top.

In staying true to my style I would pair the Valentino top with this Vivienne Westwood accident pencil skirt. I love Westwood’s signature flair of the ruching without losing the silhouette of the pencil skirt. The dark color of the skirt adds a bit of edge to the overall look.

These Valentino leather and organza sandals complement the ruffled top perfectly and I love the beautiful floral detail. They make your feet look like delicate presents!

The Lanvin Le Genereus Soir silk bag is the perfect mix of polish and feminine style to complete the overall look. So maybe my wallet isn’t loving this look as much as I am…but a girl can still dream, right?

Speed Styling with the Bio Ionic One Pass {Giveaway CLOSED}

Thanks for entering!  This giveaway is now closed!  The winner was comment #95, as determined by random.org.

Confession:  I’m obsessed with my hair.  The color, the cut, the shine, the softness, the style…  OBSESSED.  My hair is naturally wavy and incredibly thick – it takes almost 45 minutes to blow dry.  Yes, I work hard for all of this hair, especially if it’s down and styled.  Of course, for all of this hair a gal needs some pretty serious tools.  When Bio Ionic approached me about taking their One Pass Flat Iron for a run, I couldn’t turn them down.

An iron that only needs to pass ONCE through your hair to straighten it?  Unheard of!  I have so much hair that it sometimes takes 3 or 4 passes to get that smooth look that I’m going for.  I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical.  So I tried it.

One Pass.  They aren’t kidding.  Here is video proof, too.  It works just like that.

So why do I think you should buy a One Pass from Bio Ionic? (And I do – I am recommending them to anyone looking to purchase.  Yes, mine was free, but if I had used one for a week I would have purchased one myself, hands down.  Don’t forget, it’s my promise to you that I will not recommend any product that I do not wholeheartedly believe in.)

1.  Time.  Who doesn’t need more time?  Even with all of this hair, I can walk out the door in roughly 8 minutes with it bone straight.  Did I mention that it heats up in seconds?

2.  Healthier Hair.  First of all, with only one pass, your hair is taking less abuse.  Secondly, the ionic technology actually makes it softer and healthier – it straightens your hair from the inside out.

3.  Looks.  It doesn’t just go fast and make your hair all healthy and stuff.  It LOOKS GOOD.  Isn’t that the reason we’re doing this, anyway?  Or, is that just me?

Some of the features of the One Pass, borrowed from their website:

• Silicone Speed Strips for faster straightening and increased shine
• Instant heat, up to 400°F & instant recovery
• Nano-Ionic™ Mineral fused to cushion plates
• High levels of negative ions & Far infrared energy for silky
  smooth conditioned hair
• Bio Ceramic 5 Second heaters
• Multi-level heat controller
• 10ft swivel cord

Wanna try the Bio Ionic One Pass?  I’m giving one away here on Chic Shopper Chick!  Here is what you have to do to enter:

1.  Become a Fan of Bio Ionic on Facebook.  They are giving away tons of prizes each week – so if you don’t win here, you may win there!

2.  Leave a comment here telling me that you became a fan and also sharing with me one of your styling tips or your favorite celeb hairstyle.

That’s it!  For an extra entry, you can follow Bio Ionic on Twitter, or tweet this contest out to your followers (click the button at the top!). If you do, leave a comment here letting me know.  However, to qualify you must do the first two as well.

That’s it!  This contest will run through April 22nd at 11:59pm CST.  You must be a US resident to enter.  After the close of the contest, a winner will be chosen at random.

Lands’ End Celebrates Earth Day

I’m a huge fan of Lands’ End, so I am especially appreciative when a company that I already love to support does something that I can really get behind.  To mark the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, Lands’ End has launched an initiative to connect kids, parents and schools through gardening and showing kids that even taking small steps can positively impact the environment.

Here are the deets:

“Way to Grow: Plant a Seed, Make a Difference”
·         Visit www.landsend.com/thehub to enter your school to win funds to support a school gardening project or science initiative.
·         Submissions will be accepted from April 5, 2010, through May 14, 2010.
·         During this time, Lands’ End will include a packet of 100-percent organic Russian Mammoth Sunflower seeds from Seeds of Change™ with online orders of Lands’ End Kids merchandise.

As part of the campaign Lands’ End is hosting a Twitter party on Wednesday, April 14th from 7 to 9 p.m. CDT with Seeds of Change, a purveyor of organic seeds and a leader in the organic food movement. The party will feature gardening tips and 20 fun giveaways including organic seed collections, gardening totes, gardening books and Lands’ End gift cards.  In other words, you should be there!

Lands’ End “Way to Grow” Twitter Event
Date:                     Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Time:                    7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. CST
Location:              #landsend
Join the fun and follow:
@LEprMichele, @LEprMolly, @LEprLibby, @LandsEndChat, @Seeds of Change1

For more information on “Way to Grow: Plant a Seed, Make a Difference” visit: www.landsend.com/thehub

A Girly Getaway to Sin City? Yes, Please!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of KAO Brands. All opinions are 100% mine.

I’m not sure it’s ever been this bad before.  My spring fever, that is.  I mean sure, I typically start daydreaming of beaches and sunshine sometime when the temperature hovers around 75 degrees, but I’m not DESPERATE for it.  This year I’m suffering much worse than usual, and when I saw this chance to win a trip to Las Vegas for myself and 3 friends from KAO Brands (did I mention that it included $1,500 in spending money?) all I could see was me, poolside, with a tall glass of water (and perhaps a tall cabana boy?).

Head on over to the Temptation is Beautiful website to enter (I would highly encourage it, then I would encourage you to take me with you if you win – I’m very entertaining!) where you can also enter to win a daily beauty basket in addition to the grand prize trip to Vegas!  While you’re there, try taking the interactive quiz to see if you’re Hot Hot Hot (ahem, I absolutely am, per my results!  See the proof below!) or Cool as a Cucumber, then share it with your friends for more chances to win!

So what is your Temptress temperature?  Take the quiz and leave a comment to let me know!  Don’t forget, if you win (my US readers only, I’m sorry my international friends!), you definitely want to bring your favorite blogger along with you!  Can you just imagine renting a poolside cabana and being waited on hand and foot?  I can too!  Don’t worry, if I win, you can come along!

Military Chic: The Look for Less

The military trend is still sizzling hot for summer.  We’ve seen amazing military jackets and skinny cargo pants from Balmain which I covet, but might be challenging for some to pull off…not to mention the hefty price-tag! Kourtney Kardashian stepped out in a simple yet chic military-inspired outfit last week that is easy to recreate.

Cargo pants are an easy way to pull of the military trend. Check out J.Crew’s ripstop cargo pant {$40}, they are super soft and offer an ultra-flattering fit. A crisp white, v-neck t-shirt is a basic must in everyone’s wardrobe each season.  Target has great prices on basic items such as the classic white t-shirt.  Try Merona’s ultimate v-neck {$8}.

A brown leather belt is something that will never go out of style.  The Gap’s embossed leather belt {$30} is a great addition to any stylish girl’s wardrobe. To recreate Kourtney’s YSL heels, try BCBGeneration Tempa Sandal {$70} without breaking the bank.

Finally no outfit is complete without some accessories. Kourtney added a bit of flair with her zebra-printed clutch.  Check out Express’ zebra printed clutch for a similar look.  Every Hollywood starlet needs a pair of sunglasses while ignoring the paparazzi and Kourtney added classic aviator sunglasses to her look. Try Arden B’s metal aviator sunglasses {$20} to complete your look.