Twinkle Toes Giveaway

Lovers, you may have already hung your Christmas stockings there above the fireplace; but for all of those holiday-themed parties, a glamorous gal like vous is in dire need of a different form of Christmas stockings – the kind you can wear to keep your toes toasty and twinkling while you’re dancing the night away in a pair of black patent leather platform peep-toes, or glittering strappy sandals that make jaws drop. And now one (1) of you daring divas will be taking precisely that home in the form of un petit trio of prezzies from none other than Voet Hosiery!

You guessed it, kitty cats! Café Fashionista has teamed up with the ever-stylish Voet Hosiery – the original “lingerie for your toes” by Vicki Kysella – to bring one (1) lucky lady three (3) pairs of Voet Hosiery pretties – the noir Chelsea, pretty in pink Emily, and perfect purple Anna; a trio of girls who are sure to make your holiday merry and bright!

To Enter the Twinkle Toes Giveaway:

♥Become a Fan of Voet Hosiery on Facebook.

♥Follow Voet Hosiery on Twitter.

♥Visit Voet Hosiery and select your favorite piece.

♥For one (1) entry, leave a comment on this post stating what your favorite Voet Hosiery piece is between now and Friday, December 24, 2010 at midnight PST.

♥ For two (2) entries, Twitter about this giveaway, and leave a comment on this post stating what your favorite Voet Hosiery piece is between now and Friday, December 24, 2010 at midnight PST with your Twitter URL.

♥ For three (3) entries, become a follower of Café Fashionista on Blogger/Google Reader/Google Friend Connect/Twitter, and leave a comment on this post stating what your favorite Voet Hosiery piece is between now and Friday, December 24, 2010 at midnight PST (if you are already a Café Fashionista follower, please say so in your comment).

I will randomly pick one (1) name out of a hat (who knows, it could be yours!), and announce the winner on Saturday, December 25, 2010.

Good luck everyone!

And yes, this Giveaway is open to everyone – U.S. or International residents!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Voet Hosiery for the pictures.

Smitten Saturday

♥Glassy Lady…because, contrary to Miss Marilyn Monroe’s proclamations, diamonds aren’t a girls only best friend, as evident by Murano Glass Jewelry – specifically, the simply irresistible Murano Glass Pendants. The Amore Heart Pendant Amber Black Cord; the Arianna Round Pendant Green/Gold Black Cord; the Candy Necklace Gold. Each piece retains the ability to cast an elegant glow upon your look du jour; whilst ensuring that your individuality is never compromised. How? No two pieces are alike; making your choice of accessory just as one of a kind as your vibrant personality. Which Murano marvel are you coveting, kitty cats?

♥My Fair Lady…because the county fair may be a very-recent thing of the past; but the cotton candy you shared with a nameless cute boy while riding the ferris wheel most certainly doesn’t have to. Tasty Clouds Cotton Candy Company brings the flavors of a sweet and sticky summer to you year-round via Bagged Cones, Sweet Sticks, and Tasty Tubs, allowing you to relive your brief summer romance while satisfying a sugar rush at the very same time. Go ahead, my loves…indulge!

♥Taste the Rainbow…because the sensible stylista knows that the arrival of fall does not mean an end to one’s mini’s; rather, it spells new beginnings, and the chance to channel the Upper East Side’s vicious yet oh-so charming Blair Waldorf…as long as you are in possession of American Apparel’s Opaque Pantyhose, that is. Available in twenty-seven majestic shades; the Opaque Pantyhose are capable of transforming last year’s tailored shorts or flippy skirts into revitalized works of art. But even better than the colors themselves, are the monikers in which each shade is harnessed with. After all dolls, who on earth could fail to become intoxicated on legwear harboring the name Sangria or Bordeaux?

♥Here Kitty, Kitty…because no one knows better than the chic coquette that spoiling oneself with Rebecca Minkoff’s Main Squeeze Fold Over Bag or Nanette Lepore’s Hush Hush Leather Jacket is all well and good, as long as you don’t forget to shower your cute critter counterpart with a gift or two – in particular a new place to hang their (figurative) hat, like Loyal Luxe’s Canadian Cabin for Fluffy Little Critters. Decked out with playing balls, carpet, and a few decorative designs; the Canadian Cabin is made with kitty in mind, but perfect for a petite pooch, fluffy bunny, or mischievous ferret. Isn’t that just the cat’s meow, darlings?

♥Don’t Shoot the Messenger…because a true fashionable femme fatale knows that there is an appropriate time and place to push aside the prissy, and replace it with something a little more militant, a la the Rothco Heavyweight Classic Messenger Bag. Part Moschino Cheap & Chic. Part Fendi. Bottom line? It’s fully fabulous; and features enough pockets to house everything from your Free People Navajo Cardigan to your collection of mark Lipclick Full Color Lipsticks. Forward march, lovers!

What were you smitten with this week?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to We ♥ It for the picture.


Don't forget to enter the Three Times Lucky Giveaway for your chance to win a trio of tantalizing accessories you can’t live without from ThreadSence.

Don't forget to enter the Show Your Stripes Giveaway for your chance to win the BAJA Dress from Shabby Apple.

Style Secrets: Stylish When Sick

“I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.”
Fannie Lou Hamer
I really can’t say that I blame you. In fact, I’m sure I would feel the same way if I found myself in your current situation. It is completely understandable that when you’re feeling under the weather you want nothing more than to collapse into a heap in your rattiest pair of pajamas, tuck yourself under a fluffy comforter for optimal warmth, and surround yourself with boxes of tissues, Bon Bons, and fashion magazines that will see you through the sniffles in true sickly style. Unfortunately, harsh and hectic schedules do not always allow for such luxuries.

One cannot hide away from the world catering to a minute cold by spending the day in hibernation; at the same time you do not want to frighten random passersby with garish garb or red-rimmed eyes courtesy of a pesky ailment that has deemed it appropriate to plague you. It is at this particular time that you must embrace effortlessness.

Attempting to fool the world by trying to conceal your feverish condition via blazingly colored clothing and ravishing red lips is often the quickest way to signify that you are, in fact, unwell. By retaining an understated, natural, effortless glamour about your person, your look screams bright-eyed and bushy-tailed – exactly what you want.

As with everything, however, creating an uncomplicated presence is not as simple as slithering out of bed and scampering out the door. It takes time and planning to get that offhand appearance; whilst staying true to the number one style rule of being sick: maintaining comfort. To put it bluntly, if you are unable to cozy up in your clothes, be it on your best friend’s couch or in your own private boudoir, then your frail form is accoutered incorrectly. As long as you keep this maxim in mind, of course, you are well on your way to looking stylish when sick!

♥A Drapey Dream Fitted frocks and tops are one of the most magnificent ways to highlight your curves and show off your figure; but when the flu bug bites the absolute last thing you want is to feel confined in your clothing. At times like this drapey duds become a classy comrade which ensure that you maintain complete blissful elegance without forsaking your trademark sassy style.

Tunics, short dresses, and billowy blouses are essentials for your I-don’t-want-to-get-out-of-bed wardrobe. The loose fit makes getting from here to there more comfortable in your suffering state; while retaining a bohemian-inspired ambiance that makes your appearance very nonchalant and indifferent – two temperaments that only work to make you more irresistible to cute boys!

“‘Tis healthy to be sick sometimes.”
Henry David Thoreau
Search for styles with slight embellishments like the knotted bust line of mark’s Knot Just a Tee-Shirt; empire waists which flutter and flow about your form in a haphazard yet heavenly fashion like the Stay Tuned Tunic; or cuts with versatility which make it simple to switch up your look in seconds like the Wear With All Mini Dress. Pieces like this stand the test of time and never fail in making one look chic – regardless of how miserable you may currently feel!

♥The Tight Stuff My loves, we spend countless hours per week striving to tone our thighs and gluteus maximus muscles in a fashion that will keep our bodies tight, fit, and capable of donning any type of legwear that piques our interest; therefore it is only fair that, as the fashionistas we are, we peruse opaque tights, pretty patterns, and luscious leggings at a time when we need a bit of bottom half bliss. And that, darlings, is when we are feeling downright debilitated!

Denim is spectacular when we’re feeling energized, revitalized, and hotter than a firecracker sizzling in Times Square on New Year’s Eve; when you’re feeling unfabulous, however, they take on the role of the devil. The J Brand 10” Ankle Skinny Jeans that once made us feel fantastic now make us feel frumpy; the Citizens of Humanity Morrison Slim Boot Cut Jeans that made you feel beautiful yesterday have turned beastly and now make you feel bloated; the Joe’s Jeans’ Chelsea Ultra Slim Moto Jeans that looked marvelous in the dressing room mirror just last week have become malicious by making you look massive. By all means, do not toss these items into the garbage no matter how much your last dose of NyQuil tempts you to do so; simply set them aside for another day. One needs resilience, buoyancy, and flexibility when they are weak; thus, ditch the denim during this delicate time and embrace styles with stretch!

“If you treat a sick child like an adult and a sick adult like a child, everything usually works out pretty well.”
Ruth Carlisle
Slip a pair of Commando’s Matte Opaque Tights on under a tunic that covers your tush for a cozy effect that tantalizes; show a playful sliver of skin via Only Hearts’ Lace Tights – the perfect pairing for your feisty frock; or mimic the denim look with mark’s Blue Jean Denim Leggings. Keeping your legs covered when you’re tormented by the chills is a complete necessity in your quest to “get well soon,” yet harbors the ability to take your look du jour to new heights; ergo, let your bubbly, effervescent personality shine through and have fun with your legwear!

♥Happy Feet Slippers may be whispering sweet nothings in your ear at this very moment; but please do not make the mistake of traipsing out of doors with nothing but these accoutering your feverish feet! Around the house slippers are absolutely fantastic at ensuring your toes stay toasty; but their scant fibers do not hold the same power once worn out of the confines of your cozy abode and onto the chilly concrete that is omnipresent in the big, bad outside world. As an aside, they also make one feel completely dumpy at a time when what you truly need is a kick of desirability. For this reason alone, slide those shabby slippers underneath your bed and stuff your tootsies into something a little more stunning!

Levende Waters once said “Funny that a pair of really nice shoes makes us feel good in our heads – at the extreme opposite end of our bodies.” Such words are completely true. Fabulous footwear has the ability to transform one from the inside out. They add that special je ne sais quoi to your look, whilst boosting your confidence at the very same moment. Of course, when sick, it is your mission to keep your feet looking chic yet feeling contented all at once. Blissful booties and out-of-this-world Oxfords satisfy both of these prerequisites.

“It is better to be rich and healthy than poor and sick.”
Dave Barry
Oxfords and booties possess a type of hoity-toity class that makes it possible for you to induce stares with your style, despite the fact that you are sick as a dog. The aesthetic of both is very highfalutin and fun; yet proffers an air of elegance that streamlines your silhouette, and pulls your entire appearance together with a seductive smirk to the world.

You may adore stilettos; but now is not the time to don such killer shoes. When one is feeling under the weather, their balance is not at its best; therefore, stick to flats like Steven’s Melin Pinked Perforated Oxfords or Frye’s Erin Oxford Flats. The old-fashioned styling contributes a touch of retro glamour to your dress, while adding a snazzy shape to your overall look. If you absolutely must have an extra hint of height, look for well-shaped wedges like Jeffrey Campbell’s Tick Wedge Booties or chunky heels like Ash’s Easy Long Cuff Booties. These two designs will give you the lift that you’re looking for without surrendering satisfaction!

♥A Jumble of Jewels! Anyone who told you that accessories were unnecessary at a time when you are unhealthy was sadly mistaken! A splash of sparkle makes everything better, including a runny nose or aching bones. On that account, go wild! Raid your grandmother’s jewelry box for vintage finds of the pearl variety; beg your BFF for permission to play dress-up with her diamonds and rhinestones; and, most importantly, dig through your own bureau for baubles that will make you twinkle, shimmer, and glitter like the gorgeous creature you are!

“A healthy body is a guest chamber for the soul: a sick body is a prison.”
Francis Bacon Sr.
Bigger is most definitely better in terms of jewelry when you’re feeling less than fabulous. The bedazzling brightness of such pieces detracts attention from your pasty pallor; whilst shedding a bit of light upon your good taste in trinkets. Oversized cocktail rings like Alexis Bittar’s Onyx Oval Klimt Ring and Noir Jewelry’s Midnight Ice Double Knuckle Ring are a must. Their design is over-the-top and ostentatious allowing them to flirt coquettishly and play a subtle game of hanky-panky with anyone who dares glance in their direction; while ornamenting your frail fingers in true high-fashion!

♥Looks for Those Feeling Lousy Kittens, I realize that you are suffering at the moment. That your mind and body feels weak. Please do not let this get you down. I would never leave the side of an ailing friend; therefore, I have put together full ensembles with you, my bedridden besties, in mind. Simply choose the style you want to rock for the day and slip it on for optimal sassiness that will have you feeling better in no time!

♥A slouchy, pale gray off-the-shoulder top layered over a lace camisole (allow it to peek out if you’d like), black leggings, Oxford flats, a handful of your favorite chunky bangles, and a long necklace or two.
♥A loose-fitting black mini dress that falls just below the derriere, patterned or lace tights to add texture to your lower half, wedge booties, and massive rings.
♥An empire-waist top in a neutral tone, denim leggings, black or gray booties with a chunky heel, and an erratic assortment of rings, bracelets, and necklaces.
“I could have another moan but I’m sick to death of my own whining.”
Steve Bruce


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Tumblr, We ♥ It, and Shopbop for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Cozy Up to Shopbop and Ugg Boots Giveaway for your chance to win a $100 gift certificate to Shopbop.com.

Style Secrets: Back to Basics

“Only great minds can afford a simple style.”
Stendhal
It may sound farfetched, but it’s the absolute truth. Being fabulous seems to take less time than being simple when it comes to dressing. When you enter shops you are often bombarded with sequins, tulle, lace, leather, and an abundance of other textures which are absolutely stunning, yet veer away from the basic staples one needs in their life to create looks that are downplayed yet domineering; minimal yet menacing; easygoing yet energized.

Basics are the backbone to the well-dressed young woman’s wardrobe. They are there to provide that extra oomph to your look du jour, interjecting a splash of much-needed je ne sais quoi to lighten up a glittering party shirt worn in the wee hours of the morning, or contributing a pinch of plain pulchritude to balance out the bodacious-ness of a faux leather pencil skirt; hence the reason why it is essential for your closet to harbor a fortune of no-frills fashions.

As with so many things in life, however, undertaking such a task is far more easier said than done. But don’t worry darlings; it certainly doesn’t have to be. As long as you know where to start, you’re well on your way to heading back to basics in true fashion-forward style!

♥Trail Blazer Please cast aside any preconceived notions about the blazer you may have. I am well-aware of the fact that it is most often recognized as the topper of a stuffy three-piece suit, but times have changed; the blazer is no longer only acceptable in the workplace. In fact, it is quite possible that there is no more versatile piece that one can add to their wardrobe than a black blazer. Cropped, boyfriend, either style retains the ability to put a completely new spin on your look, and cast a shadow of change upon the entire effect of your ensemble.

Sophistication and elegance is quickly discovered when Diane von Furstenberg’s slightly boxy, boyfriend-inspired Tuxant Blazer is tossed on over a shimmering minidress; a touch of hipster flair is added to a simple top and denim when coupled with a cropped blazer like the Charmaine Career Jacket; and a plain white tee and flippy skirt easily transform from playful to posh when shrouded with a wool style sporting a notched collar a la Theory’s Ediona Blazer. Remember, a well-crafted blazer will see you through countless ups and downs and millions of milestones; therefore, invest in a creation that you adore!

“Style is a simple way of saying complicated things.”
Jean Cocteau
♥The Little Black Skirt Despite its power and potential to literally stop traffic and work wonders in one’s wardrobe, the little black skirt is a piece of attire that is, unlike the little black dress popularized by Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, left out of the loop and virtually ignored when it comes to dressing. Far too many seem to overlook the chic simplicity that it proffers, whether offered via professional Pencil Skirt, flouncy Woven Skirt, or leggy Mini Skirt. Don’t be one of those individuals!

Unlike the LBD, which often relies upon a special occasion for it to be whipped out of your bureau for wear, the little black skirt is a garment that holds fast to the mantra “carpe diem.” It does not lie in wait for a lavish party to arrive; rather, it seizes the day and creates a sassy soiree all its own! Top it with a vintage tee, partner it with lacy tights, slip it on with a slouchy sweatshirt. When it comes to the LBS, styling opportunities are positively endless; and each presentation is more stunning and sophisticated than the last!

♥Black and White and Fabulous All Over! Mark my words, a person’s closet is utterly incomplete if it does not hold at least two fitted black t-shirts, and two fitted white t-shirts. There is no more essential or inexpensive basic than these pieces, given the fact that they act as a palette for your daily style, and are a necessity when layering. They also retain the ability to tone down exaggerated accessories, like a statement necklace, making them more wearable during the daytime hours.

But do not at all doubt the standalone qualities of the plain black or white t-shirt. It may be a basic, but one does not need to cover-up its simple style, or clean cuts in order to make it glamorous. Pairing a Short-Sleeve V-Neck with skinny jeans and riding boots is a no-fuss aesthetic which juxtaposes between elegant equestrian and laid-back jet-setter; while tucking it into a pair of trendy trousers and adorning your finger with a bulbous cocktail ring establishes an unmatched urbane ambiance that will leave jaws dropping in your wake!

♥Short Stuff It seems slightly ridiculous to think that shorts are a part of the basics category; a virtual must-have in your wardrobe. But they are. Don’t get me wrong, up until recently I was not a believer of this particular way of thought either. I felt that shorts should remain in summer, and be locked away once the sun gave way to rain, sleet, and snow; but so is not the case. Just as skirts can make the transition from winter to spring, summer, and fall, shorts can as well – as long as you’re working with the correct form.

There is nothing quite as ambrosial and cultivated as a pair of tailored shorts like Forever 21’s Cuffed Tweed Short or Pleated Satin Shorts. They do not have the grunge factor that denim dungarees oftentimes possess; rather they reserve a more sophisticated air courtesy of the single-button closure, and charming cuffed hems which work together to bridge the gap between saucy and sharp. During the warmer months flaunt bare legs by pairing them with cognac-colored riding boots; once the cold sets in style them with black opaque tights and matching ebony-hued shoes for a look that elongates and makes your legs go on for days!

“Beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depend on simplicity.”
Plato
♥Tight Fit Loves, if you thought that hosiery was nothing more than a thing of the past, I am here to prove you wrong…so very wrong! Yes, feel free to steer clear of nude-toned pairs that are meant to look as if your legs are bare when they really aren’t; but please, do me a favor and fully embrace patterned tights, black opaques, and sheer styles that will take you through any season in true glamorous grandeur!

Tights like those crafted by Falke and American Apparel give you the opportunity to wear any attire of your choosing year-round, given their ability to provide a bit of coverage to keep you warm; while ensuring that you look stunning from head to toe. I recommend having at least three pairs on hand at all times; that way, should you encounter a sudden run or rip in the seam, you don’t have to sacrifice style – simply switch out the ruined ones for a pair that is in-tact!

♥The Bomb It doesn’t matter if you own no other piece of outerwear, as long as you have a bomber jacket in your possession your wardrobe is in good standing. Bomber jackets like Candela’s Leather Bomber Jacket are an amazing garment for the sheer fact that they not only provide warmth to the wearer; but they effortlessly effuse a rebellious aura that is both lively and headstrong, which helps you to migrate from one look to another with ease.

Keep in mind that the color bomber you select is extremely important. A black piece instantly gives off an edgy, rocker-influenced vibe synonymous with the leather-loving biker movement which is perfect for a smoky night out with the girls; while a caramel shade is more subdued and transitions easily not only from day to night, but from season to season, as well. Take inventory of your wardrobe before shopping to see what color would fit in best with your personal style and buy accordingly.

♥Duds for the Derriere Darlings, denim used to cut it in terms of accoutering ones lower half. And it still does; to a certain extent. One’s wardrobe should never be sans at least a trio of denim pieces that range from light wash, like Current/Elliott’s Super Slouchy Skinny Jeans to dark wash, like J Brand’s Petite 12” Pencil Jeans, all in the cut of the dresser’s desire. These three items of apparel alone will accompany you on everything from first dates to family gatherings; and shopping sprees to school functions. But I digress; denim is only half of what needs to be on hand for embellishing your lower region. The honor of the other half falls upon leggings.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…leggings did not start out as a favorite of mine, but I quickly grew to love them due to their elasticity, resilience, and ability to bring out the chic cosmopolitan sophisticate in anyone simply by slipping them on. Whether tucked into over the knee boots or topped with a bright-colored v-neck that hits at the hip, leggings like American Apparel’s Cotton Spandex Jersey Leggings or Winter Legging, are a must for the modern mademoiselle looking to be comfortable in her style of dress while keeping it completely classy!

“The well-dressed man is he whose clothes you never notice.”
William Somerset Maugham


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Shopbop, American Apparel, and Forever 21 for the pictures.

The Tight Stuff

I stopped wearing tights years ago; around the same time I tossed out my unfashionable clogs, and destroyed all evidence of ever having owned, let alone worn, Birkenstock sandals. But the new crocheted/lacy look tights that I keep seeing is enough to make me want to go out and buy a pair. They have the ability to dress up a mini or dress down a business suit; yet still possess the ability to add a different dimension to just about anything in your closet.

Urban Outfitters Two Tone Diamond Crochet Tights, $14.

Jonathan Aston Circular Printed Tights, $7.50.

Forever 21 Jolene Mesh Tights, $6.80.


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Urban Outfitters for the picture.