Get Your Credit Cards Out! - Barneys is having a big sale

To all the fashionistas out there, times are hard and it's a blessing when you hear that Barney's is having a sale.  Starting today a major designer collection of clothing, handbags, accessories are on sale at 60% off.

Here are a few finds that can carry off for the next season and classic pieces that you can explain to yourself and others that are "investment" pieces.

Hurry up and charge!

Fiorentini + Baker Mad Boot: Motorcycle and Engineer Boots are not going anywhere, this is a classic staple.

Jill Sander Herringbone Sweater Coat: Another great classic piece to add to your winter collection.

Narciso Rodriguez Asymmetric Strap Dress: Everyone needs a LBD and this one is very sexy!

Narciso Rodriguez Cocoon Dress: Another LBD for the more conservative fashionista.

Prada Oxford Pump: A great buy that is sure to outlast all seasons, a classic looking oxford. Also in Black.

Vena Cava Surf's Up Dress: Wear it for the Spring/Summer but also great for the fall and winter with a cardigan and OTK boots.

Vince Ribbed Car Coat: Vince makes great cardigans and this one would is extremely comfortable.

Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Maryjane: I love YSL but who can afford them...now we can!!!

Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Pump: Leopard print come back every year so if you don't have a leopard pump yet now is the time to get a pair.

Bottega Veneta Scarab Clutch: A luxury item that is beautifully crafted, unique yet understated.

Alexander Wang Torrence Bag: This is a classic piece with a cool twist, with quilted leather.

Canyon Hat: The wide-brim hat is Spring and Summer's hottest accessories so here is a chance to get a one on sale.

Parisian Bohemian Chic

Parisian Bohemian Chic by tete9290 featuring cotton jeans

Something that I could see Marion Cotillard wearing. She is Parisian with such a sophisticated fashion sense. Again the shoes are toned down with the outfit but something she could wearing to a premiere.

Chic Winter Wonderland

Chic Winter Wonderland by tete9290 featuring gray jewelry

Getting good use of my Sam Edelman Kat sequin oxfords. You need to be careful not to over do it because of the sequin on the shoes. But this ensemble tones down the look, the key is the jeans being rolled up to showcase the shoes.

Parisian Influence

Parisian Influence by tete9290 featuring a satin vest

Fall's Hottest Finger Tips!

With the fall slowing approaching, a great accessory to add to your fall wardrobe is something we neglect to think about everyday - our nails!  We have fun with our toenails during the summer months but once the fall hits we usually turn back to our safety color of Essie's Mademoiselle; that will last us all month, maybe even all season.  There is a growing fashion this year for an alternative.  Every beauty company from Chanel, Dior to even Target's brand, Sonia Kashuk, is changing tunes.  This season I have noticed a growing palette of dark sultry, almost black colors.  They look great on short rounded nails and should be changed... daily dependent on the outfit of the day.

My top picks for this fall:

Essie Chinchilly, $8.99
This is actually a Spring color but carries well into
this year's fall.  It lies between a clay and a gray.

OPI Catherine the Grape, $8.50

This is a more luxurious alternative from Chanel
Paradoxal Limited Edition, $41.99
available at Bloomingdale's 

Illamasqua Rampage, $14
at Sephora

Sonia Kashuk, $4.99 at Target
My favorite so far, it looks great against denim.

Chanel Blue Satin, $49.95
Available at Macy's.  A great alternative to last year's black.

Get Ready For The Fall!

With the chilly days ahead, I figured to  spread the word about items that I am adding to my fall/winter collection this year.  I am in love with the English Country look that is everywhere - utilizing earth tones of moss, camel, grey and burgundy.  Inspirations from Mad Men, Out of Africa and the Amelia.  Fashion is focusing on luxurious textures of cashmere, wool and soft silks.

Mad Men on A&E

Out of Africa

Amelia

So Zara has created online shopping for their collection as of Sept 2.  It was finally functional as of today.  The site features lush fall fashion.  Zara creates beautiful silhouettes, office appropriate styles, and a beautiful color palette of warm earth tones that I love and can look great on any complexion.  

New Wardrobe List:
Some of the items are not available online at Zara, but in due time.

Knit Blazer lined in cotton.

This skirt is accessorized with a vintage floral pin-tucked shirt that will look fabulous with my camel platform knee-high boots from Steve Madden.

These Pour La Victoire Knee-High boots are similar in style and color.

Pour La Victorie Irma Boots, $337

Since we are the subject of boots, and I do have an obsession with shoes, I have to lay claim to an item I recently purchased that I am so proud of snatching.  I saw a pair of Juicy Couture Peyton Boots that I wanted but were out of my price range ($400) then but luck I found the same looking alike pair on Alloy.

Juicy Couture Peyton

Alloy Brigitte Boots, $56.90

Wish List:
Camel is the new black so it would be a great investment.

Cloth Studio Coat in light camel, $229

Cloth Coat with Belt, $189

Velvet Blazer and Pleated leather skirt is a great sophisticated modern look, love the navy blazer, this look could be great with a pair of pumps and textured stocking or lush with a pair of OTK boots.

Velveteen Blazer in Navy, $99 & Sheepskin Skirt, $99

Or instead soften the look with this knit sweater.

Bolero Jacket in light mink, $79

Another camel-colored jacket that is the perfect transitional piece that goes from fall into the colder winter temperatures.  The fall look is shown here with a earth-toned floral dress but it can be transformed into a winter look with a pair of trousers or skinny jeans and a blouson.

Long Wool Jacket with Flounce, $89

The Boulevard's September Fall Fashion

As the proud employee of The Boulevard magazine, I have the opportunity to play many roles in the magazine.  Having a great enthusiasm for photography (being that it is what I went to Rutgers for), I was thrilled to finally have the opportunity to plan, execute and layout a fall fashion shoot.  With a few gorgeous friend at my beck and call: Tara, Lica, Kristine and Shoshana.  The shoot was amazing and quite successful.  Shot on location at the Nassau County Museum of Art, with the sculpture garden as the backdrop, we put together an amazing layout of the coolest, trendiest and stylish fall ensembles.
Check out "A Day at the Museum" on The Boulevard.

JLee Silver Dress, $205; Pura Lopez OTK, $635; UGG Satchel, $228;
Olia necklace, $202; Kevia pendant, $213, stackable bangles, $88 each,
and bracelet, $188

Kristine's Look:
OTK boots are everywhere this season, Pura Lopez created a beautiful suede boot in taupe. Chuckies, 718.376.1003/ www.puralopez.com
Nature-inspired jewelry have popped up since the beginning of summer and are not going away any time soon.  Olia  and Kevia created some ornate pieces. www.oliadesigns.com, www.kevia.biz
Ladylike Totes are a fall must, this oversized tote from UGG Equestrian Convertible Satchel in Luggage will be a classic staple in your fall wardrobe that will last forever. www.uggaustralia.com

Shoshana's Look:
Booties, Booties, Booties are available in every color, in every style.  Bottega Veneta suede cashmere wedge booties in Billiard are the essential most-wanted luxury boots. They will style well with military trends, camel coats or even the avator fashion trends. http://www.bottegaveneta.com/us/en/shop-products/Womens/designer-shoes/billiard-suede-cashmere-wedge-bootie_243980V0240.html#size=37qCL;color=3006
Harem Pants was a hot summer item and works into the early fall.  They are super comfortable but can be played up dress as in this look. Juicy Couture Bird Cashmere Harem pants in Guginette grey, $249.99
Fitted Jacket have been big all year and I would recommend getting them in basic colors, they are not going anywhere any time soon. Juicy Couture Structured Blazer in White, $279.99

Our model here, Shoshana, was also our fashion stylist.  Take a look at her unique fashion blog, frockedgnu.blogspot.com

Tara's Look:
Shearling Vest is a transitional piece that works for both fall and winter this season.  Elie Tahari created the Donna Vest, a suede vest lined in shearling. www.elietahari.com, $1598
Motorcycle Boots make any outfit a little more rock n' roll and rough around the edges.  Jimmy Choo's Course Metal Biker Boots are the most luxurious motorcycle boots you can get, the inside is lined in shearling.  The beauty in these boots is the metallic finish on them.  I have seen them at Saks in the black leather and they do not compare to these. www.jimmychoo.com, $1050
Leather shorts another summer/fall transitional piece that works well when paired with textured tights. Juicy Couture Bird Butter leather shorts in black, www.juicycouture.com, $448
Boyfriend Shirt by Donna Karan looks good with anything that's in season this fall and winter.  Paired here with the fashionable shearling vest but can also work with a chunky knit sweater or underneath a Boyfriend jacket or with a ladylike full skirt.  www.donnakaran.com, $395

Lica's Look:
Bold Colors were seen on the runway for fall.  We decide to combine a bold red dress by Tulle with a bold purple pumps to create a modern fun look.
Tulle Puffy Sleeve Zip Dress in Hibiscus is very affordable at only $68, coordinated with the Jinny Kim Effel Purple pumps, $259
www.tulle4us.com
www.jinnykimshoes.com
Fringed Tote plays down the bold colors to bring the outfit to a more sophisticated level.  UGG Fringed Tote in Dark Grey, $298

Sanctuary T

So I'm doing an article for The Boulevard magazine on this place.  It's really quite special.  www.sanctuaryt.com
Take a look at their website, but further more, check out the restaurant.  I got a chance to experience their Food & Tea Pairing - life altering moment.  Who knew tea could be so complex.  Tea is life a fine wine if you think about it.  Same complex flavors are dependent of the soil, the air, the picker, the grower and how its aged.  My favorite tea by far is the Rooibos Chai.  Can't seem to find the same complexity anywhere else (I tried, Starbucks' teas are just not cutting it anymore).  The Rooibos, "red tea", means "red bush" in Africa.  The plant is indigenous to South Africa and is part of the legume family.  The leaves are oxidized to produce a reddish-brown color.  Rooibos is a naturally sweet tea, best without any sugar, which if you are a true fan of teas, I recommend trying them without any sweetener or milk.  Rooibos lacks any caffeine and is high in antioxidants and flavanols.  It's great at the end of the meal, which is how I experienced it.  The Rooibos Chai (blended with indian spices of cardamon, cloves, cinnamon bark, nutmeg) was paired with a Tea-infused Coffee ice cream and chocolate brownie.  The combination of tea, ice cream and brownie reminded me of a piece of toffee candy.

If you don't have the time to get to the restaurant, visit the shop www.shopsanctuaryt.com/

I recommend trying their T Sampler kit.  It comes equipped with most popular flavors for the end of summer treats: Watermelon (I tried this as a cold-brewed tea, great as a watermelon-lemonade mocktail), Red Moon, Geisha Beauty, Spring Harvest and Serenity.

Let me know what you think?