Style on a Whim

Summer to fall wardrobe transition tips from the experts!

Susanmcneill6 — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:23:10 +0000

Today is September 1 and for me, it’s the unofficial end of summer. Yes, I know that we still have the Labor Day weekend to look forward to, but somehow, turning that calendar page to September has a final feeling.

One of the things that is guaranteed to cheer me up is the fact that soon I can break out the fall wardrobe. But since we are still in the midst of a major heat wave here on the East Coast, I guess it’s not quite time for the transition to leather jackets and over-the-knee-boots!

In fact, transitioning from summer to fall is always something of a challenge for me. What can I keep? What needs to go? And just how long can I wear white? So this year, I asked some of the most sought-after stylists in the business for real transition tips that we can all use!

Colin McDonald is a New York Style Editor for Examiner.com. He has worked alongside some of most influential stylists in the industry today like Mary Alice Stephenson, Patti Wilson, Adam Glassman, and even Joe Zee! Colin has created fashion magic on a variety of editorial shoots and sets including The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Colin says think of transition from summer to fall in terms of layers.

Go through your wardrobe and keep some of your basic pieces from summer. As the weather starts to change, go ahead and add some of your fall pieces.
That favorite cotton v-neck t-shirt you wore all summer and just can’t part with? In the fall, layer it with your wool boyfriend blazer, cashmere scarf, skinny jeans and oversized fedora.
If you’re uncertain about color, pair likes with likes. Monochromatic is a trend we will be seeing more of this coming fall, so don’t be afraid to look uniform.

Katharine Polk’s work has been featured in Vogue, Glamour, InStyle, Elle, and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, among others. She has styled for photo shoots, editorials, and runway — her career even extends to the world of television. Katharine styled a fully-accessorized 14-look fashion show previously on America’s Next Top Model and a 27-look show on the Lifetime series Blush. As for celebrity dressing, she even styled Emmy winner Bruce Gowers (‘Best Director’) as well as the 2007 American Idol, Jordin Sparks- both on their award-winning nights.

Katharine says that opaque tights or stockings are a great and inexpensive addition to your wardrobe for fall. Tights are super versatile and are great for turning a summer outfit into a fall look! The great thing about black opaque stockings is that they are warm and slimming as well. They also make your legs look long and thin!

Black opaque stockings with your floral summer dress: It becomes a chic bohemian look to go out in. You get to re-use your favorite floral summer mini all fall just by throwing on some opaque stockings.
For the office or school, grab a loose sweater dress and black stockings.
A fun easy, day-look would be your black stockings with a cream or white linen short day dress. The black opaque tights contrast the linen and add a little toughness.

For an evening look, pair your black opaque stockings with a tailored chic print mini and some great platforms.

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition to Style on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

CheapChica’s Blog Spotlight of the Week: Target “Leather” Jackets

Susanmcneill6 — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:00:44 +0000

The CheapChica’s Guide to Style

Posted: 30 Aug 2010 10:03 PM PDT

Mossimo/Xhilaration Motorcycle Jackets at Target: $30-$34.99

Click it/Skip it: Click it! Click them all!

I love a great motorcycle jacket anytime of the year, but especially at this time of year! They can transition from day to night and they work no matter what your style!

I just checked out Target’s large selection of moto jackets and I was not disappointed…and you won’t be either. This is the one that lured me in–simply because this color is so hard to find at a budget friendly pricepoint and when I saw it, it just looked so expensive!

Fit: All of the jackets fit very true to size. Motorcycle jackets do tend to come cropped and that might be the only thing I didn’t love about this jacket. I’m taller, so it hit a little shorter than I would have liked –right above my waist–but that shrunken look is very in so I’m going to go with it!

Shopper’s Notes: Pleather can look really cheap, but the faux leather used for these jackets looks and feels really expensive!

The one thing I do want to advise is that you skip the “crinkled” options. These are meant to look worn in and vintage-y but IMO they just look rather cheap (in the bad way!). Stick with the cleaner options like the one pictured above for a more luxurious look!

BTW: If I had a budget for two, this one would be my 2nd choice! Very Rick Owens, minus the $3000 price tag!

-Lilliana Vazquez
Lilliana is a nationally known style expert and television host. You’ve seen her work on NBC, ABC, The Style Network, and We TV. She is also the editor of The CheapChica’s Guide to Style, the go-to destination for fashionistas on a budget, and a contributor to Philadelphia Magazine.
(all photos courtesy of Lilliana and The CheapChica’s Guide to Style)

End of Summer Super Swag Giveaway! Valued over $575!

Susanmcneill6 — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:24:03 +0000

Even though we’d rather camp out at the beach and enjoy every last minute of the summer sun, fall is fast approaching. Luckily for fashionistas the world over, there’s plenty of fall fashion to look forward to (hello, boots and blazers!), even if we’re not huge fans of the cooler weather to come.

To celebrate the unofficial last week of summer before Labor Day hits, and it’s no longer kosher to wear white (though I hear breaking fashion rules is a new fashion rule…) we here at Style on a WHIM wanted to offer up a HUGE package to ONE reader that’s simply BURSTING with cool products we’ve had a chance to review over the past three sultry months!

Included in the package:

Berry Ball
Tt Collection teal t-shirt
Sunglass Warehouse oversized sunglasses
Absolutely Audrey shoe clips
Crochet Couture Necklace
OKA b. flip flops
KattFive Creations beaded hair tie
WHIMSY ring with Eastern Trading Murano glass bead
Rumba Time watches in light blue and white
Shondra Leigh Repeating Squares metal mesh cuff
Kushyfoot toe cushions
Kushyfoot lace foot covers
Strappys decorative bra straps

The total retail value of all the goodies is approximately $575!! You’re crazy if you don’t enter to win this great box of stylish summer fun!

Here are the rules:

1. MANDATORY COMMENT – Please visit the links above, then come back here and leave a comment below about which item is your fave. (1 entry) Please note: the Absolutely Audrey shoe clips haven’t been reviewed yet, but you can still comment about them — the link is to their website!

2. Subscribe to Style on a WHIM via our brand new Google Friends Connect option, 5 entries (please leave a separate comment for each of the five to let us know)

3. “Like” us on Facebook (5 entries, please leave a comment to let us know)

4. Follow us on Twitter (5 entries, please leave a comment to let us know)

Hurry!! The contest ends Sept. 15 — winner will be announced Sept. 16!!

Already a follower? Just leave us a comment that you follow. Good Luck!

Also — don’t forget to enter the other Style on a WHIM contests that are running right now!
Shondra Leigh “lace” earrings contest (ends 9/8)
New Standard T-shirt contest (ends 9/3)

-Keri

Lace it up!

Susanmcneill6 — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:25:30 +0000

One of my favorite trends that’s really gaining ground this fall is a style of delicate jewelry that mimics lace. A romantic at heart, I adore whimsical jewelry and these openwork pieces feel fresh for fall.

And apparently, I’m not alone! InStyle (September 2010) recently featured some amazing pieces from some of the most recognized names in the industry. Spectacular earrings from Pomalleto, 18K white gold sparklers from Penny Preville and some dramatic drops from Cynthia Bach. Unfortunately, I don’t have an extra $26,475 for the Loree Rodkin “chandelier” earrings (but they are available at Neiman Marcus, just in case you do!). So, I began to search for the same look, but with a price tag that’s slightly more palatable.

My solution? Metal mesh jewelry from Shondra Leigh! The line incorporates a great openwork feel and is crafted of sterling silver and goldfill. My top three picks can be worn alone or together and complement both weekend casual wear and office ensembles.

First, I love the Mixed Metal “Crocheted” Square and Pearl Necklace, pictured. Many of the Shondra Leigh pieces have clever allusions to other mediums – from crochet to plaiting to braiding. The necklace is crafted of 14 goldfill squares on a blackened silver chain and is adorned with white nugget pearls. 32” long, this would be a spectacular necklace against a crisp white blouse this fall. Retail $262.00

Next, I adore the Repeating Squares Cuff. The cuff shown is created using sterling silver with goldfill accent squares and features an easy-to-use tube clasp. Measuring 7.5 inches long x 1.5 inches wide, this cuff is wonderfully lightweight and comfortable to wear (unlike some cuffs I’ve tried recently). The blackened silver looks especially lovely paired with the fall season’s bright jewel tones. Retail $210.00

Finally, my top pick is a pair of Square Earrings. These great openwork earrings allow you to rock the lace trend and still keep you bank account intact! Using the “crochet” method, Shondra Leigh has created a beautiful pair of earrings that will undoubtedly become your go-to faves. Retail $60.00

The Shondra Leigh line is available at boutiques and fine jewelry stores across the country. For a store locator, visit Shondra Leigh Jewelry or shop online.

Better yet, win a gorgeous pair of square earrings (pictured) from Shondra Leigh. Retail $60. It’s easy, so get started!

1. MANDATORY COMMENT – Please visit Shondra Leigh and let us know which piece is your fave. (1 entry)

2 Subscribe to the Shondra Leigh newsletter (Please leave us a separate comment for each of the five here to let us know, 5 entries)

3. Subscribe to Style on a WHIM via our brand new Google Friends Connect option, 5 entries (please leave a separate comment for each of the five to let us know)

4. “Like” us on Facebook (5 entries, please leave a comment to let us know)

5. Follow us on Twitter (5 entries, please leave a comment to let us know)

Already a follower? Just leave us a comment that you follow. Good Luck!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition toStyle on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Photos courtesy of Shondra Leigh Jewelry.

Celebrate Global Forgiveness Day in style!

Susanmcneill6 — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:55:45 +0000

In case you haven’t heard yet, today is Global Forgiveness Day. The holiday originated in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and was started in 1992 as a time to forgive and to be forgiven. This is now an international event and I think we all agree that a little more forgiveness will help make the world a better place!

To celebrate this special day I found the String-Ring™. This clever ring is not only a beautiful piece of jewelry, it’s also a constant visual reminder. The ring is designed to be threaded with a colored string, each of which is coded to remind you of a particular act of kindness. For example, blue represents tranquility and reminds you to be patient. Orange represents energy and enthusiasm and reminds you to laugh as often as possible. And silver represents wisdom and reminds you to forgive!

Each String-Ring is crafted from the highest quality silver and comes with 20 replaceable colored strings, a jute bag, and polishing cloth, as well as a list of color meanings. The String-Ring is available in sizes 4 -10 and will adjust up or down to ensure the perfect fit. Retail: $28.95

The String-Ring is the brainchild of artist Tina Mansfield who in 1996 set about to create a kindness program in her son’s classroom. It seemed to Tina that everywhere she looked she came across rude behavior. She decided to find a way to teach the children to be kind and compassionate when aggressive behavior is exhibited everywhere you look. Since tying a string around your finger is an age old visual cue, the symbolism resonated with Tina and the String-Ring concept began to take shape.

So celebrate Global Forgiveness Day in style. You can easily order online for a very thoughtful gift, but you’ll be tempted to keep if for yourself (I’ll forgive you if you do!).

These tees are the “new standard” in fun fashion! Win yours today!

Susanmcneill6 — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 20:09:11 +0000

My daughter leaves for college in less than 48 hours. And, the sheer amount of clothes she has somehow amassed over the last few months is nothing short of incredible (the X-Cargo top is definitely going on top of the truck). But no matter how many tanks and tees she seems to accumulate, she has a few go-to faves that she wears over and over. Snarky, silly or just designed to make you smile, her must-haves always include witty tees by New Standard.

Not only are tees by New Standard adorable, the company also has an unusual business model — buy a shirt, support the artist. Their tees are brought to life by a global collective of both established and up-and-coming artists.

Two tees that will be heading off to the University this year include a turquoise one designed by Gemma Correll from England. Pugs Not Drugs, pictured, is a perfect example of what New Standard is all about. Quirky and eye catching, the illustrative style is (according to Gemma) inspired by everything from the world around her, to animals, to coffee, and to sugary breakfast cereals! This tee is a V-neck made of pre-shrunk 100% combed cotton jersey. It’s available in sizes extra small through extra large. Retail $28.

A little edgier, the This is Why I Sing tee in white is designed by Concrete Rocket for New Standard. This graphic artist, based in Singapore, gives the tee a bold, modern edge with a stark black and white color palette, but also a retro vibe by using an image of vinyl. Like Pugs Not Drugs, This is Why I Sing is made of pre-shrunk 100% combed cotton jersey. It’s also available in sizes extra small through extra large. Retail $28.

Not only does New Standard make great tees for juniors, they also have a complete men’s line, a detail that celebrity stylists everywhere have already discovered. In fact, you may have seen some of their designs throughout last season’s American Idol series. They were often sported by Idol winner (and my pick from Day One) Lee Dewyze!

So, now that you’re hooked, I know you’re wondering where you can find your own. Well, New Standard tees are available at stores just about everywhere — from PacSun, to Deliahs, to Urban Outfitters, plus so many more. For a complete list you can visit the New Standard retail stores. Or, if you’d rather shop online, browse through the entire line of both women’s tees and men’s tees at the New Standard Clothing online store. New Standard even offers free shipping on all orders over $75!

Best yet, New Standard has offered to host a giveaway for one lucky Style on a WHIM reader. The giveaway ends Friday, September 3 and there are loads of ways to enter, so get started!

1. MANDATORY COMMENT – Please visit New Standard and let us know which tee is your fave. (1 entry)

2 Like New Standard on Facebook. Leave a comment here and don’t forget to show them some love on Facebook, too! (5 entries)

3. Follow New Standard on Twitter. Be sure to leave your Twitter handle in your comment (5 entries)

4. Subscribe to Style on a WHIM via our brand new Google Friends Connect option, 5 entries (please leave a separate comment for each of the five to let us know)

5. “Like” us on Facebook (5 entries, please leave a comment to let us know)

6. Follow us on Twitter (5 entries, please leave a comment to let us know)

Already a follower? Just leave us a comment that you follow. Good Luck!

Cheap Chica’s Blog Spotlight of the Week: The Must Have Pants!

Susanmcneill6 — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:56:35 +0000

The CheapChica’s Guide to Style

The Must Have Pants!

Posted: 21 Aug 2010 10:50 PM PDT

I am constantly looking for work-appropriate pants to wear with my earth-tone tops. I have such a hard time finding a pant that is not your typical brown or gray tweed flare wool pant from Express. Not that they don’t do the trick, but sometimes I need something different and a little more exciting.

I think these pants from ModCloth fit the bill! They aren’t crazy, but they are different from your average work pant. And, because they are a little more funky, they would make a great day-to-night piece.

Linen pants are also my favorite thing ever! Problem is, it’s hard to find a pair that aren’t for lounging. These are more of a gauze fabric, but are still in the same category as linen. Bottom line, these pants will keep you feeling cool and comfortable.

These pants are a must for me and if they are for you too, go to Modcloth and shell out the $44.99 to have this staple piece in you wardrobe!

Urgent style question? Ask Polyvore!

Susanmcneill6 — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:55:42 +0000

Yesterday, I learned about an amazing global style community called Polyvore. One of our guest contributors, celebrity stylist and fashion expert Katharine Polk (pictured below) was a featured Style Advisor for the site!

Basically, if you want instant style advice you can get it at Polyvore from the web’s largest community of fashionistas. So, if you’re not sure how to wear a tricky trend, need help personalizing an outfit for a special occasion, or just want to know if animal prints are really here to stay, Polyvore is the go-to resource!

You can also shop the site for the hottest trends around. Search by category, search by style or search by your favorite designer — Polyvore has only the best up-to-the-minute trends out there.

And, according to Polyvore’s founders, the site also helps fashion-loving users become empowered to discover their own unique, personal style, plus set trends around the world. The site boasts 6 million unique visitors and 140 million page views a month, and Polyvore’s global community has created over 20 million fashion sets like the one shown.

Best yet, Polyvore collaborates with prominent brands like Calvin Klein, Diane Von Furstenberg, Lancôme, Net-a-Porter, Gap and Coach and its user-generated fashion campaigns have been judged by Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and today, our own Katharine Polk!

Want to learn more? Just visit Polyvore and I guarantee, you’ll be hooked, too!

Win a unique statement necklace for fall

Susanmcneill6 — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 22:28:25 +0000

It seems that statement necklaces are here to stay… at least through fall! A quick flip through my new InStyle Magazine confirmed that huge, multi-strand necklaces are still a “fashion do.” From some of my favorite stores like bebe, White House Black Market and Express, with necklaces, it appears that bigger is better!

Much as I love a fabulous necklace, sometime they’re a pain in the neck – literally. Several of my chunkiest, multi-strand necklaces are so heavy that I need to take them off mid-day.

If you “feel my pain” never fear, I recently found a solution that is both smart and beautiful – from Elizabeth Green’s Couture Crochet. These eye-catching necklaces are actually made of colorful and (most importantly!) lightweight ribbon. Plus, the clever design allows you to easily adjust the length to work with any neckline.

My favorite color combination for fall are the brilliant reds, oranges and yellows showcased in the Firefly necklace, pictured. This stunning necklace looks effortless, whether it’s paired with jeans and a tee or a work ensemble.

These great pieces are also quite affordable. The Firefly necklace retails for only $16.00 and all of Elizabeth Green’s lovely pieces are available online at Couture Crochet.

Want to win your own? Contest ends 9/1. To enter:

1. MANDATORY COMMENT – Please visit Couture Crochet and choose your favorite piece. Leave a comment here (1 entry)

2. Subscribe to Style on a WHIM via our brand new Google Friends Connect option, (5 entries)

3. “Like” us on Facebook, 5 entries (please leave a comment to let us know)

4. Follow us on Twitter, 5 entries (please leave a comment to let us know)

Already a follower? Just leave us a comment that you follow.

Did someone say sample sale?

Susanmcneill6 — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:41:14 +0000

I love a classic, well made dress. You know, the kind of dress that always looks “right” and fits like a glove?

If you do, too, you absolutely must visit Shibui Designs Annual Sample Sale. This is Shibui’s annual sample sale of one of a kind, handmade dresses and skirts at 50 – 70% off custom, made to measure prices!

Friday and Saturday, August 27-28 2010

11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Shibui Designs
3217 Main Street
Barnstable Village, Cape Cod