the fashionista's guide to packing

Now that Summer is upon us, it's time to start thinking about what you are going to need for those upcoming vacations. Whether you're headed to the beach house for the weekend or on your way to an exotic getaway, these six summer vacation essentials will be a great starting point for all your summer packing needs!

1. Pack-able sun hats 

Protect your face from sun while looking sassy for your summer vacation. All San Diego Hat Co. hats have a UPF 50 rating, which protects your face from harmful UV rays. These hats bounce back to their original shape when crushed, making them the perfect travel companions as well.

San Diego Hat Co. pack-able hat, $45.

2.  Tinted lip balm and sheer gloss

Keep your lips moisturized during the warm summer weather and add a little lip color to your nighttime vacation looks. Go for a more sheer look with the lippy gloss or try out the tinted balm for more color coverage.

butter LONDON lippy and tinted balm, $18-$20 each.

3. Crease-less hair ties 

Keep your hair out of your face for daytime activities without leaving a crease in your hair. Kitsch hair ties also double as a fashion bracelet!

Kitsch hair ties, $14-16 per pack.

4. Crossbody bag

Store all your small vacation necessities like you butter LONDON lippy and Kitsch hair ties in a convenient crossbody . Crossbody bags are great for keeping your hands free while you're on the move! 

Street Level woven crossbody, $48.

5. Pack-able sandals 

Everyone needs a great pair of sandals to take with them on vacation. Pack a lightweight pair that is versatile enough to wear with various outfits, but comfortable and durable enough for all day wear. We chose a leather thong style sandal that would look great with everything from shorts to maxi dresses.

Miz Mooz Inuovo thong style leather sandal, $69.

6. Colorful nail polish 

Show off those toes with a freshly painted pedicure in a tropical inspired color. Bright colors will perfectly compliment your summer tan!

butter LONDON nail polish, $15 each.

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Well ladies, I'm pretty sure by now you've noticed that even sneakers have gotten a makeover this season.  Some pretty popular people are parading around in lace-ups that have heels! From Kate Bosworth to Beyonce, these shoes are taking over.  Should we be surprised? The jury is still out on that one, but what I can tell you is here you have a look that gives you the comfort of a sneaker, but the style and height of a heel.  If you're going to give them a try, only the best will do right? Prada's suede, lace-up wedge sneaker is the perfect way to kick off this trend, they're only $550.

Prada

I'm obviously kidding, I would never suggest spending so much on an item that may or may not survive the test of time. But for now this trend is tops so if you want to give it a go might I suggest the "Angie" from Miz Mooz.  This lace-up, leather wedge sneaker is streamlined and sexy and coming from Miz Mooz you know it's going to be comfortable.  At just $149 test out the trend and have some fun!

Miz Mooz

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

So you have all of your basics for this fall but you know there is something missing, something that will add that perfect little pop, something a little bit daring!  Now is the time to introduce a new trend sweeping the streets.

The Cure: Daring Denim

Last spring we saw a flourish of floral denim take off, but now that it's fall, floral seems out of place.  Not to worry, there are plenty of pairs of patterned denim to choose from.  Take this look for example, simple white tank, cropped gray jacket, and blue leopard skinny denim, the perfect pop! If blue leopard is a bit much for you there are lots of options out there for you. Find what works for your wardrobe!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Menswear influences are taking center stage again this year in shoe trends.  You love the oxford look but would prefer it with some height.  See if these work for you, Bottega Veneta's Platform Oxford Pump. This lace up oxford pump gives menswear a feminine edge with a pointed toe and paneled details on the sides. This shoe will also give you a run for your money at $890.

Bottega Veneta

If that is, of course, way more than you want to spend consider the "Farris" from Miz Mooz.  This lace up, platform oxford, comes complete with a delicate perforated design on the toe and hidden platform.  It's perfect to pair with anything from pants, to skirts with tights.  The best part is, it's only $143.

Miz Mooz

Street Smarts

A sporty, modern, edge has been utilized by designers from Lacoste, Reed Krakoff, Proenza Shouler, and Alexander Wang this season, but what is it about this very stylized look that makes it lovable?  According to InStyle,

"It is a sleek look in technologically innovative materials and has a sophistication that's derived from athletic gear, sci-fi and spring's minimalist bend. "

Hmmm, sounds like it could be a little "out there" in terms of ready to wear, but you can incorporate this into what you already own.  Find one modernist piece that you can't live without and pair it with basics you already own.  Stick with clean lines and simple silhouettes and you'll be sporting this trend with ease.

Leather

Leather isn't just for boots and bikers this season, so how can a material with such a tough skin be soft and feminine?  According to InStyle,

"Though it's easy to play toughie, skins boast a newfound suppleness that gives you versatility.  Treated more like a fabric than ever before, leather appears feminine, even practical, and wearable by all."

Clothing courtesy of Instyle

By using more flattering silhouettes and shapes, leather transforms full skirts and blazers, but can still make a bold statement with a coat or studded dress. Keep your leather pieces neutral or choose a rich color like burgundy. With this trend you can embrace your inner bad girl and still be a lady!

Fall Trends: Boho Prints

The runway has offered us quite a few hints as to what to expect this fall in terms of fashion.  One thing that drew the designers inspiration was boho print. 

Worn alone or paired with "tailored boxy jackets or shrunken motorcycle outerwear", this look takes boho to the luxe level.

Jewely Jade

I can't avoid it any longer, as much as I would love to extend the summer season, fall fashion in making its presence known.  Your first glimpse? Rich jade.  According to InStyle,

"Vibrant and fresh, this color makes the perfect transition between spring's flora-inspired pastels and fall's more opulent, jewel-like shades".

 A color like this looks fab on every skin tone, so if you're looking to add color this is a go to shade.  It is easily paired with cool neutrals like navy and chalk, eggplant compliments it as well.  For an edgier match "clash" it with a blue-green teal.

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

I adore flats in the summer time, such a great go to shoe because they adapt to just about everything in your closet.  My favorite is to pair them with boyfriend jeans for a little feminine touch. I've discovered the most adorable pair from Giuseppe Zanotti that I want, no NEED, to add to my collection.  Basic, but bedecked with texture in a printed leather, this round toe ballet flat is a great "go-to", what's not so great is the $495 sticker shock.

Guiseppe Zanotti

But hope is just inside the doors of Poppy and Stella with the Panther from Miz Mooz.  I fell for the scaled stylings of the Zanotti, but Miz Mooz kicks it up a notch in the texture department.  The scaled leather upper is more than just printed and let's not forget the rep Miz Mooz has for comfort.  The best part, they'll only run you $99, wait they're on sale...only $79!!! AND they also come in red and turquoise!

Miz Mooz

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

Need a go to outfit for the summer? Something that is casual but has the potential to be dressed up? Does such an outfit exist? Of course it does, let me show you!

The Cure: Blank Slate

The simplest, most classic, look is a white silk tank and a pair of skinnies!  I've chosen a silk tank because it's easier to dress up than something cotton, and while they may not be perfect for heat, skinnies are the sexiest cut of denim out there.  With this as your palette accessorize till your heart is content.  For something fun and casual choose a colorful scarf, clutch, and flats, for something a little more upscale layer on the jewelry and don a sexy pair of pumps.  Regardless what you add you can't go wrong!

Classically Cool

Perhaps you're one of those girls who would rather stick to the tried and true than venture out on a ledge with new trends. If so the next few pieces are just what you need to build the perfect summer wardrobe.

1. Striped sweater to quickly throw on for a brisk evening walk on the beach

2. White shorts, what's not to love, they go with everything!

3. Ballet flats, whether neutral or colorful, a go to shoe for everything summer

4. Chambray shirt, pure americana

5. Maxi dress, dressed up or down, ready for any occasion

5. Polo shirt, for a little bit of prepster

6. Hat, great with jeans or a dress

7. White jeans, for the days when shorts just won't work

8. Peasant dress, keep covered from sunrise to sunset

9. Polka dot bikini, it doesn't have to be itsy bitsy to be hot

10. Crochet dress, the open weave keeps you cool and chic

11. White one-piece, the versatility is limitless

12. Striped tank, for when it's not so cool on the beach

13. Embroidered tunic, as a cover-up or on it's own it gives off a laid back vibe of summer!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Spotted: Carrie Underwood wearing a fab pair of laser cut wedges with skinny jeans and sparkly top.  Now while I don't know what brand she's wearing, I'd hazard to guess they're pretty pricey, but good news for you, we have a pair that looks oh so similar.

This look can be yours with our Tamara from Miz Mooz! The peep toe wedge with patterned cut-outs and stitching is the perfect way to add a little edge to your ensemble.  Pick up a pair for only $124!

Miz Mooz, $124

Red on Red

Ever have a day where you feel like you want to set the world on fire in a classy, sophisticated way? Sure maybe that's not everyday, but on the days when your confidence is at an all time high consider wearing head to toe red.

Lucky magazine has a few tips for pulling this look of right:

" Stick with floaty pieces and softly tailored silhouettes, show some skin (pants should be worn with 3/4 length to sleeveless blouses) and mix it up, go ahead and wear orange reds with blue reds"

If you want to break up the red in your outfit, accessorize with a red bag or red shoes.  Neutrals and blacks also work well with the color, so go out and paint the town!

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

Color is coming on strong this season, with everything from super saturated colored denim, to the long lasting color-blocking trend.  Experimenting with such bold, bright, hues can be intimidating, but there are simple ways to introduce them to your wardrobe.

The Cure : Closet...meet Color!

As per my usual advice when trying anything new or trending, start small and adjust to find your comfort level.  Find one piece in a bright color you love. A blazer is a great place to start, as a layering piece it can easily be removed if you start to think that the look just isn't for you.  If you are feeling slightly bolder, add a statement necklace in a contrasting color, and once you are completely cool with the look, color block with a pair of colored denim.  Just make sure to keep a few things neutral, you don't need to reveal an entire rainbow of color in one look!

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

Well we are now in that weird part of the season where focus is shifting...fall/winter is going on sale and spring/summer is making its grand entrance...so what do you wear? You are so excited to show off your special new finds but the weather isn't cooperating enough yet.  Time to transition.

The Cure: Transition Teasers

You don't have to fully reveal all of your fabulous spring finds just because every fashion outlet is putting all trends on blast, allow your wardrobe to heat up in line with temperatures!  One thing you should not be without this season is a frilly and feminine full dress.  Great for shifting seasons and moving day to night! Layer up with a blazer, individualize with accessories and go for a great neutral spring shoe!  Transition triumph!

Sail Away With Style

This trend is here to stay and perfect for spring and summer. This classic beachy bliss is characterized with stripes, anchors, and sailoresque red white and blues.

Nautical goes beyond the striped shirt, look for a blazer with gorgeous gold buttons to top a solid pair of navy or white bottoms. Throw red in here and there, maybe incorporate yellow for a sunny spin.  Keep it simple and choose one item as your main statement and balance your stripes with solids. Ride this fashion wave this season.

Spring Preview

Ooh la la is all I can say in response to our new Spring stock.  Slowly but surely I will be rolling out the goods for you to feast your eyes upon. While I would love to reveal all right now I want to leave you wanting more!  For now here is a sneak peak at some stunning stilettos and precious pumps.

Striking and stunning this is a pure power pump that is sure to turn heads!

Sparkle and shine I plan to make these party pumps all mine!

Let these reptile sling-backs slither their way into your closet!

Dainty and delightful take on the Mary Jane, in black and nude!

Dainty and delightful take on the Mary Jane, in black and nude!

Who says a heel has to be sky high to be sexy?!? Loving the mixed material heel!

Who says a heel has to be sky high to be sexy?!? Loving the mixed material heel!

Scholarly and sweet, sling-back Mary Janes, perfect for the office or a casual night out

Raving over the retro vibe of this ruffled t-strap!

Cute and comfy, a combination you can't go wrong with!

Leather Look-see

The look of leather typically suggests getting in touch with your inner bad girl, biker chic, or rock diva, but adding just a hint of leather can really sophisticate a look.

" ...leather details add an edgy and intriguing element. In a tweed chemise with contrasting brown leather pockets, you can be office-appropriate yet also say, 'I'm a closet hipster'.  A goddess gown with a faux leather bodice? Elegant and sultry all at once."

               --InStyle, October 2011

Little bits of leather also call to mind equestrian connotations with piping that are classically chic.  However you choose to wear it, leather can say so much more than "I'm a rebel".

If you've typically don't gravitate to this style start small with accents of leather trim necklines and ease your way into the look.  Don't have the money to splurge? Faux options are just as acceptable, pleather pants give you that tight fitted look with more movement.  Accessorize with floppy hats and strong shoes, from booties to stilettos you can't go wrong.
 

Fetish Femme

Here's a look for a girl that is looking to mix and match feminine and fatale pieces to get a style that says something.  Lucky Magazine describes it as "Fetish Femme" and says the key is to " Girly up this subversive look with a prim and delicate white collar."  Also important is to consider just the right amount of skin, if it's form fitting, go for a longer skirt.  This look is all about the mystery, if you show off your legs, cover your arms and vice versa.  Break up the black with "heavy gold accents" and dare to be primly playful.

What you must have, a cut out black dress, textured mini, lace blouse a la peter pan collar, and a peplum skirt.  Add some irony with a cat-ear hood, and accessorize with platform lace boots or mary-janes, and cat eye glasses.

Fall Shoe Trends

Stacked heels make a statement! Check out some of our choice selections for Fall!

Great leather pump for work or play, $124

A rockin'ankle boot in olive suede with an almond-shaped toe, $149

 A charcoal brown lace-up court shoe with a gently rounded toe, $145

A classic shoe given a three inch lift, $119

These soft leather boots call Europe to mind, $199

Sturdy tread botton, refined leather and suede top, $186

Sturdy tread botton, refined leather and suede top, $186

For the woman who wants something different in her tall, heeled boot, $253