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)

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)

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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.

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!).

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?!

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!

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?!

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!

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?!

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.

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?!

Never suffer through another bad hair day again? Sounds like a dream, but it’s now a reality with these gorgeous hair accessories from KattFive Creations. They are the perfect antidote to oversleeping… or those hectic Monday mornings!

Whether your style is romantic, vintage or classic, there are great accessories to save you from the agonies of a bad hair day.

KattFive offers embellished bobby pins to tame recalcitrant bangs, trendy floral pins to add a dash of whimsy or — my personal favorite — adorable beaded ponytail holders for a stunning, classic ponytail at the nape. And no one will guess you got ready in five minutes!

These pieces from KattFive are also incredibly affordable. Combs start at just $7.00, bobby pins at $5.00 and pony tail holders are an amazing $3.50!

Get the look for yourself with a full set of five KattFive’s unique, embelissed pony tail holders, Retail $17.50

Contest ends 8/31. To enter:

1. MANDATORY COMMENT – Please visit KattFive and tell us which other piece you’d love to own. (1 entry)

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, 3 entries (please leave a comment to let us know)

4. Follow us on Twitter, 3 entries (please leave a comment to let us know)

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

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?!

Jeans have been a staple in American women’s wardrobes for decades. And, I’m sure that Levi Strauss never envisioned the fashion revolution he was starting when he created his first pair of “cowboy trousers” back in 1873!

Today, that revolution has gone one step further. Vintage Revolution denim is a celebration of timeless style with just a dash of spirited rebellion.  When creating new styles, the firm’s designers use pieces from their library of original denim to understand just how jeans were designed (and perfected!) in the past.

Back then, each piece was made from start to finish by a single craftsman and the finished product was a personal masterpiece. Vintage Revolution jeans celebrate this integrity of product and rebel against “assembly line jeans” and the “fancification” of denim.

But don’t be fooled into thinking that Vintage Revolution offers one-size fits-all-style. The firm offers more unique fits and great colors than the law should allow! Boot cut, skinny, boyfriend and more… if you can’t find your personal style at Vintage Revolution, you shouldn’t be shopping!

Although the combinations are vast, the skinning jeans are my hands down favorite. More flattering than the boyfriend cut and hipper than the boot cut, these are a great choice for weekend wear in a wash and dressed up for going out I a darker hue.

The best part about Vintage Revolution is that once you find the cut that’s most flattering for your figure, you can order the jeans in a dozen shades. No more searching for the perfect pair of jeans in the wash or color you need.

Now that’s my kind of revolution!

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?!

I majored in English in college and have always loved to read just about anything I could get my hands on. My tastes are varied (my husband says schizophrenic) but I enjoy the history of Alexander the Great every bit as much as Confessions of a Shopaholic. This means that our house is filled (filled!) with books, including hundreds of beloved classics from my college days.

Now my daughter is off to college (an English major, just like mom!). Of course, I wanted to send her off with some fun new clothes and just by luck stumbled upon the perfect solution for “wordies” like us! Out of Print Clothing makes clever tees that are designed for the well read college student — or one who just wants to impress the professors!

Out of Print Clothing celebrates the world’s greatest stories — from the Catcher in the Rye, to Lord of the Flies, to Atlas Shrugged and many, many more. The shirts feature iconic (and often out of print) book covers. Some are definitely classics, and some are just curious enough to make great t-shirts — but they are all striking works of art. Made of a cotton/poly blend the tees are distressed, just like a well thumbed book.

One of my favorites is the Slaughterhouse Five t-shirt. Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut is the story of anti-hero and POW Billy Pilgrim and the firebombing of Dresden. I remember this great novel as one that actually captured the attention of my entire class and sparked some serious debates. The t-shirt is emblazoned with artwork from the first edition dust jacket by cover artist Paul Bacon. Retail $28

My other top pick is the Hound of the Baskervilles tee. In this iconic work by Arthur Conan Doyle, the indomitable Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr. Watson take on a supernatural beast. The novel was originally serialized in The Strand and the t-shirt art is from one of the 1902 first edition UK covers by George Newnes Ltd.   Retail $28

The best part about Out of Print Clothing, though, is their dedication to spreading the joy of reading through their tees. Since there are many parts of the world that don’t have access to books at all, the firm is working to change that. For each shirt they sell, one book is donated to a community in need through partner Books For Africa.

You can shop online at Out of Print Clothing for women’s tees or shirts for the guys. Or give the gift of reading to a friend or loved one —  just send an Out of Print gift certificate.

So, what’s your story?!

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?!