Intoxicating Accoutrements

I am not a drinker – socially or otherwise; nor am I a liquor connoiseur in any way, shape, or form. To be completely honest, I am most at home when snuggled up cozily with a mug of piping hot cocoa topped with marshmallows, or a mind-blowingly delicious cup of coffee. Even so, I have never been able to resist the rich, vibrant hues that seemingly mingle side by side with alcoholic beverages; the deep merlots and lavish cognacs; the sparkling champagnes and swank chardonnay’s and campari’s. Each hue seemingly reserves the power to add a dash of elegance and charm to one’s look, even if only present in small doses. Thus, put that drink down, darlings, and intoxicate your senses, and wardrobe with some well-heeled accoutrements!

Free People “Boxy and Batty Top in Champagne” Champagne as a drink always seems to be synonymous with tinkling laughter, swank sophistication, and saucy seductiveness. So why not channel all three in a top that dazzles from day to night like Free People’s Boxy and Batty Top in Champagne? Leave your baubles at home for once, dolls. The champagne colored lame construction is enough to make you beam, gleam, and glimmer from the moment you slip it over your head until the moment you take it off. Metallic lace side panels create a daring juxtaposition between Lolita-like innocence, and wild child crass; at the very same time that the flowy dolman sleeves and wide-neck work as one to present a slightly rumpled, effortlessly chic silhouette that can’t help but look amazing with skinny jeans. I’ll take two, s’il vous plait!

Love Quotes “Scarf in Merlot” Red may be the color of the season, and while I simply cannot get enough of its powerful, stop-them-in-their-tracks personality, in certain forms I find that it can be too overwhelming for the look one may be trying to convey. Perhaps that’s why I am incapable of resisting Love Quotes’ Scarf in Merlot. Inspired by the color red, the Merlot seems imbued with hints of black which provide a very vampy feel to the shade, and the style in its entirety; while a slight shimmery sheen on the surface provides a subtle hint of high-shine which truly makes the piece twinkle. Toss it over a black top for a daytime date with a cute boy, or wrap it around your throat on a brisk fall afternoon with shopping in mind – it’s a drop of wonderment for your wardrobe destined to make it come alive!

Mulberry “Daria Clutch in Cerise” As children we sang about spinning around and around a mulberry bush; as adults we simply want someone to bestow a magnificent piece from Mulberry upon us. But not any Mulberry style will do. We want something that will…spice up our lives, so to speak. An accessory with the power to make us feel just like the celebrities that we read about so often in tawdry checkout stand tabloids – the Daria Clutch in Cerise is that accent. Cast aside the plain purples you have accumulated over the years, kittens. Cerise mixes bits of black cherry, pink, purple, violet, red, fuchsia, and rose together to create a rapturous shade virtually seen nowhere else. It is the preemptive clutch to replace the stunning yet subdued noir hand-pieces which have been accompanying you around town for late-night escapades with your BFF; and an elementary way to shake up your style.

Pour La Victoire “Victorina Over the Knee Boot in Cognac” Who on earth said that over the knee boots were relegated to ebony hues for them to look marvelous when strapped about one’s foot? Since you’re already taking a chance with such towering height, why not go high-class with a boot in a rich cognac color, quite reminiscent of the shade of chestnuts as they roast upon an open fire come the chilly winter, in the form of Pour La Victoire’s Victorina. Neither black, brown, orange, or red; cognac is more of a gold/bronze shade that brings about the illusion of a posh, upper crust personality to your shoe collection, due to its ease of juxtaposing between a rugged, weatherbeaten Equestrian style, and that of simple sophistication. Based on sheer experience alone, I’m going to let you all in on a little secret…cognac boots will never let you – or your wardrobe – down.

Catherine Malandrino “Meatpacking Dress in Wine” Darlings, for far too long the lady in red has dominated the scheme of colors when it comes to fashion. She is regarded as a fiery, free spirit who is polished yet playful, all due to her complacency to don a frock the shade of embers with not a care or inhibition to speak of. Why not knock her off her high horse and rousing a room of admirers by wowing in wine – Catherine Malandrino’s Meatpacking Dress in Wine, to be exact. Plum, eggplant, purple, and ebony shades whirl and twirl alongside one another upon the ruched silk jersey fabrication to create a heady hue that is, quite simply, irresistible; while a buckled belt and cowl neck work as one to carve the perfect figuration by outlining your curves. The lady in wine, anyone?


Ready to intoxicate your wardrobes, kittens?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Shopbop, Luv Charlie, and Free People for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Fashionista in the Kitchen Giveaway for your chance to win a copy of Mireille Guiliano's French Women Don't Get Fat.

Guest Post at Olive Writes

Stop by Olive Writes to check out Sipping in the City - Part 2, the conclusion to my Guest Post about my favorite New York City cafes and coffee shops!


Fashionably yours!

Tightwad Tuesday: Chloe Paraty for Pennies

One should always be in the company of a handbag that makes you dazzle – a shoulder accoutrement, or tantalizing tote which hangs elegantly from the crook of your arm; enticing passersby to cast quick, envious glances in your direction, only to look the other way when you catch their eye, too haughty to admit that they covet the pretty in your possession.

Let’s get things straight right off the bat, darlings…to dazzle, it is not a prerequisite for a handbag to be decked out in glittering rhinestones or sparkles; nor is it necessary for it to be dipped in gold, or covered in studs. An accessory that truly dazzles is one with character that shines from within; quite like that found via Chloe’s Paraty Medium Tote.

There are no outrageous embellishments adorning her smooth surface, or stop-them-dead-in-their-tracks shades that will make it nearly impossible for you not to stick out like a sore thumb. In place of those unnecessary attributes is timeless charm, classic refinement, and a desire to get down and party with the posh Paraty!

Soft, supple black leather receives a gilded makeover with subtle goldtone hardware lacing the top handle; while a shoulder strap makes it easy for one to sling the bag around their body criss-cross applesauce style, or simply allow it to dangle haphazardly to and fro in the chicest of ways as they lug this luxurious bit of luggage here, there, and everywhere.

But no, I won’t be partying ‘til the break of dawn with the Paraty anytime soon, courtesy of the four-digit number - $1,895.00 – which, sadly, comes attached to it. At $46.00, however, Emmie is every bit as enticing to both me and my current budget.

Like the Paraty, Emmie is luscious and luxurious, and can be donned in a multitude of fashions; making her a worthy contender of my affections.

Which road are you traveling today, dolls? Tightwad or spendthrift?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Saks Fifth Avenue and Mimi Boutique for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Fashionista in the Kitchen Giveaway for your chance to win a copy of Mireille Guiliano's French Women Don't Get Fat.

Guest Post at Olive Writes

Ever wonder what cafes and coffee shops I love to pop into when I'm visiting New York City? Check out my Guest Post Sipping in the City - Part 1 over at Olive Writes for a tiny taste of my favorites!


Fashionably yours!

Cruisin' Cafes: San Diego, California

In all of the time Café Fashionista has been in existence, I have never thought to pay tribute to its namesake by adding a kick of coffee shops to my daily tirades regarding fashion; the time, darlings, has finally come. To celebrate my obsession with cozy cafes and charming coffee shops, I have decided to incorporate one day each week devoted solely to visiting a different location in the world, and three quaint places said location offers to load up on caffeine. The result? Cruisin’ Cafes. The first stop on our cup of Joe journey? San Diego, California.

Due to the fact that I have resided in Southern California for the majority of my twenty-something years, I have always thought of San Diego as a stomping ground of sorts; my own personal playground, to be completely truthful. I have spent hours trolling Horton Plaza, sashayed along the sidewalks of Gaslamp Quarter, and, most importantly, cozied up to a handful of quaint cafes where I’ve sipped and savored delectable demitasses, enticing café au laits, and scrummy espressos. Here, a trio of my treasured.

♥Ye Olde Bicycle Shoppe and Café There are very few things in life that compare to the romanticism experienced via a bicycle built for two; but a bicycle shop that doubles as a cozy café just waiting to bear witness to cute, clandestine romances comes quite close.

The mom and pop-inspired Ye Olde Bicycle Shoppe and Café is not a typical place to perk up your morning – or afternoon. The décor is both vintage and rustic in the sense that the furnishings do not include antique coffee pots, or paintings of coffee beans. Things are much more whimsical here. Retro bikes full of history hang from the walls; while plush sofas and overstuffed armchairs, in addition to a handful of caramel-colored tables, are spread throughout the room – seating that virtually beckons for you to take a load off and unwind. But please don’t even contemplate relaxation before snagging a snack. I recommend the very unique Toffee Nut Latte (which reminds me ever so much of one of my Rachael Ray favorites – Toffee Hot Chocolate; you certainly won’t be sorry! 6794 University Ave. (at 68th St.), San Diego, CA 92115.

♥Café Bassam There are two words that immediately jump to mind when I so much as think about Café Bassam, and that is shabby chic. The saying “A place for everything and everything in its place” is cast aside, and instead a cluttered environment is embraced as antiques and kitschy creations speckle the interior. But that is precisely what makes the location so enchanting. Nooks and crannies lurking within Café Bassam make you feel as if you are playing an innocent game of hide-and-seek with the waiters and waitresses found inside; while marble tables paired with whispery Parisian jazz give you the impression that you’re in some far off, distant European country, as opposed to Banker’s Hill.

But I digress, ambiance and adorableness aside, Café Bassam, with its picturesque windows and jumble of decanters, is like something out of a fairytale; a location where romance can easily flourish over a dark hot chocolate, a heavenly white mocha drizzled with raspberry syrup, or, once night falls, a chardonnay – all savored over the soft din of the antiquated cherry red cash register sitting front and center atop the counter. 3088 5th Ave. (between Quince St. and Redwood St.), San Diego, CA 92103.

♥Caffe Carpe Diem I shall be the first to admit that I stumbled upon Caffe Carpe Diem courtesy of it’s name. After all, how on earth is one supposed to be expected to seize the day if they are not first plied with caffeine, and lots of it? Regardless, I quickly fell completely head over heels with its cosmopolitan beauty, and impossible to resist offerings.

Do not plan on zooming in and out of Caffe Carpe Diem in mere moments; before you can seize the day, you must patiently wait in wonderment for your drink du jour, soaking up the atmosphere – something that is just as delicious as the offered macchiatos. Elegance is key at Caffe Carpe Diem – dark wood floors, an ostentatious chandelier, and an espresso machine washed in a glimmering copper add personality to the petite place; but non, all that would be nothing without rich recipes to satiate thirst and hunger. Try the Mexican Mocha coupled with the Rise & Shine – a mouthwatering mix of colorful sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and mozzarella – it’s a dynamic duo destined to make you feel like a princess. 3139 University Ave. (between Iowa St. and Herman Ave.), San Diego, CA 92104.

Which of these San Diego cafes would you like to cruise?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to We ♥ It for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Fashionista in the Kitchen Giveaway for your chance to win a copy of Mireille Guiliano's French Women Don't Get Fat.

Guest Post at Closet Cravings

Ever wonder what celebrity closet Cafe Fashionista would love to raid? Check out my Guest Post Celebrity Closet Cravings: Vanessa Hudgens over at Closet Cravings to see whose style I'd love to snag!


Fashionably yours!

Style Secrets: Over the Knee Boots Demystified

“One must always have one’s boots on and be ready to go.”
Michel de Montaigne
Dolls of course you want your attire to be intimidating and fierce; but as the wearer one does not want to feel intimidated by their own foot accoutrement. Mais non; you simply want to intimidate others. But I digress; I don’t blame one for feeling frightened at the mere contemplation of over the knee boots. I counted myself amongst the fearful up until a few short months ago when I ordered a pair of knee-highs which, incidentally, went a good four inches over my knee. Apparently they were knee-high boots for the tall; over the knee boots for the petite.

The aesthetic of such a gorgeous getup left me in awe mixed with alarm. How I, an individual standing no more than five-foot-one-and-a-half-inches could rock such a look in the same fashion as Daria Werbowy, Lily Donaldson, Coco Rocha, and Chanel Iman; towering goddesses strutting their stuff in these very same designs on the runway, seemed unfathomable – even for me, a person willing to take risks for the sake of style.

Those boots sat untouched, simply being oohed and aahed over in my mind for a full three weeks before I finally worked up the courage to wear them out of my palatial bedroom. And once I did…I was addicted. The truth of the matter is, darlings, while over the knee boots retain the ability to tantalize and terrify both the wearer and the viewer, styling them is an uncomplicated undertaking with the power to revamp your wardrobe in the blink of an eye; as long as you know exactly how to work with them, as opposed to against them.

♥Hues, Textures, and Materials, Oh My! I’ll be the first to admit that I have a slight obsession with patent leather due to the fact that it’s slick and shiny. While these two traits are fabulous for that divine new Derek Lam Harriet Bag, when it comes to over the knee boots these are two things that you want to steer clear of. Hues, textures, and materials are essentials to consider when selecting the over the knee offering of your dreams, for they are the determinants in how you present yourself, and how others will perceive you. Take into consideration the fact that height is the true crème de la crème of the over the knee boot; it need not compete with a flashy color, reptilian texture, or embellishments galore. Go for subtlety. Stick to suede and natural leather pieces in neutral tones such as blacks, browns, or, if you feel a deep desire to channel your inner Serena van der Woodsen, grays – these shades and materials will work with anything and everything lurking within your closet; in addition to complementing your wardrobe in the most mesmerizing of ways.

“I’d like to die with my boots on.”
Daniel Berrigan
♥Height or No Height Be aware of the fact that you are already lengthening your look with the height of the over the knee boot; therefore, don’t feel that you must search for a sky-high heel in order to do these stunners justice. In fact, I recommend a flat boot for the sheer fact that they are more wearable in an abundance of situations – from job interviews to girls’ nights; and come across as more sophisticated than shocking. I think of Giuseppe Zanotti as an over the knee boot genius. For the girl who wants something understated, he has the Thigh High Flat Suede Boots with Flex Sole, and for the lovely looking to proffer a bit of attitude, there are the Python Print Over the Knee Boots. These are both paradigmatic models of what the perfect over the knee boot should look like in either venue, be it flat or heeled. If you should opt for a heel, look for a chunky one, as opposed to a stiletto to avoid looking too risqué. A chunkier heel neutralizes the silhouette and comes across as more classy and chic than outrageous and over the top.
♥Welcoming Widths After the success with my first pair of over the knee boots, I decided to spring for another in a similar style, which I purchased Online. They were absolutely gorgeous once they arrived at my front door, but there was one noticeable difference between the two – the circumference. Looking at the height of the shaft and heel is like second nature to us seasoned shoppers, but we often neglect to learn what the width of the leg opening is. Tawdry checkout stand tabloids (which I am slightly addicted to) go on and on about “thigh spillage,” a term coined to describe the loose skin that hangs over the top of over the knee boots – i.e. an expression you most definitely don’t want to hear used in reference to you. To avoid such a tight fit, make sure to decide what look you’re going for beforehand and purchase accordingly. Do you want something that fits in the same fashion as a legging, like Robert Clergerie’s Fissaw Over the Knee Boots with Stretch Shaft; or do you want a style that will let you move and groove like Chinese Laundry’s Tripin? Take into consideration what you’ll be wearing with these boots – skinny jeans, bare legs, tights…and slip them on with such ensembles before buying; it’s definitely better than realizing ten minutes before your hot date that the boots of your dreams are incapable of being worn over your seductive skinnies!

“Beware of fishing for compliments – you might come up with a boot.”
Carol Weston
♥Back to Basics I am of the belief that when wearing over the knee boots, the shoe should be the focal point of your look du jour; thus, it is your job to ensure that the pieces surrounding them are working to complement their fabulousness, as opposed to competing with it. Lock your bold prints and bright colors away, if only for a fleeting period of time – over the knee boots work best when married with monochromatic hues. Pair Dolce Vita’s Crosby in Black with ebony-toned tights, don Steve Madden’s Montrell in Grey Suede with dark wash skinny jeans, wear Qupid’s Nesha-42 in Brown Suede with skintight, chocolate leggings. Not only will your footwear steal the show; but the solid colors will make you appear more lithe and lanky than you already are, and no girl can resist that!

♥Perfect Proportions The main reason I avoided my over the knee boots for so long was that I was clueless as to how I should style them. Once I actually began to try them out with different looks, however, I realized that they easily worked with most of my wardrobe. The key thing to remember is that you don’t want to appear as if you’re on your way to a costume party; thus, you must be fully aware of your proportions. Form-fitting or tunic-like sweater dresses that fall just below the derriere look gorgeous when worn alongside flat over the knee boots with a legging fit; while boyfriend cardigans, cropped blazers or motorcycle jackets, and even plain t-shirts worn with leggings or skinny jeans can dress such footwear down and make it more playful and fun. A word of wisdom…over the knee boots do have the potential to make one – especially shorter girls – look slightly heavy about the rear if not careful. Rely on accessories like a statement necklace or perky scarf to detract attention from your posterior, and keep you feeling confident.

“Having a few pairs of boots, which can go with a variety of lengths, is really functional.”
Valerie Steele
Darlings, it was Franklin Delano Roosevelt who said, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” Hold fast to his words of wisdom and plunge into the sea of over the knee boots. Mark my words…you won’t regret it!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Fashionising, Sterling Style, Science Blogs, and Batch Please for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Fashionista in the Kitchen Giveaway for your chance to win a copy of Mireille Guiliano's French Women Don't Get Fat.