Holiday Fashions with Michael Kors, Musse & Cloud and Ruby Ribbon

Polished holiday styles for shopping, parties and dinners!

Christmas is just around the corner and you'll want to look great shopping, traveling to family gatherings and going out. Sometimes all three in one day! So it's important to be comfortable while doing it. I've chosen some of my favorite kicks, bags and an outfit that will throw them a few curves at the same time.

Ruby Ribbon Jane Top in Heather and Fit and Flair Skirt in Black

Ruby Ribbon separates are incredibly comfortable to wear while acting as stealthy shape wear under it all. That's because the pieces have built in control panels just where you need them. 
The Jane Top has strategic layers with silicone grips along the hem to keep it down which unlike other shape wear, really stays put. I wore it out as you can see above and tucked in as seen below. No matter, it stayed put!

Jane Top tucked inside the skirt for a different look

Holiday Style, What to Wear? Outfit Ideas with Designers Martine Sitbon, Calvin Klein and Micheal Kors

Outfits for everything from Christmas Shopping to a New Year's Eve Party, I've got you covered.

This time of year, you are most likely doing the party circuit: Christmas Office parties, Friends & Family Holiday Dinners, Christmas Eve with the In-laws, Hitting the Town on New Year's Eve.
No matter what, you'll want to bring the sparkle with a few core pieces and the right accessories. Let's start with going to the mall or shops over the holidays. You are more likely to see friends and neighbors there so here's how to look your best!

Shopping during the Holidays

Shopping in Comfort But Polished
I'm wearing French designer Martine Sitbon's lace tunic with a silk camisole underneath. Pants are leather jeans with knee high suede boots by Sam & Libby. I have my own red tote to carry little extra packages with my essentials such as a pair of flats in case my feet get tired. Red Tote is by The NYC Subway Line and has a map of NYC's Subway system printed on the inside of this reversible bag. Silver Coin Axelle necklace and Silver Cuff are by jewelry designer Karine Sultan.

Black Leather Jeans

Karine Sultan Silver Cuff & Silver Coin Necklace.

Martine Sitbon Designer Lace Tunic, Karine Sultan Jewelry

Christmas Party
Office parties are a great chance to network. Likewise spending time at a house party with friends and family is equally important to see and be seen by all. Make a lasting impression! I'm wearing the French Sitbon Tunic but now with a lovely winter-white skirt with a sheer bottom panel by Ten Tomorrow. A skirt adds instant polish and the boots, (which you'll need if there's rain or snow) are cute yet functional. Leather Tassel Handbag is by Micheal Kors.

Christmas Party Outfit Idea

Be the Life of the Christmas Party!

Christmas  - Entertaining At Home
If you are the party host, you can wear what you like and be comfortable. Any of these outfits will work in fact but I might not wear a white skirt when I'm involved in serving the wine and cheese! Here I'm wearing the Sitbon Tunic and a cozy cotton cardigan by Pure & Co. While you could wear this out, I would save it for a relaxing house party as it is much more informal.

You're the host? A cozy cardigan is perfect for a house party.

This signed Lisa Hoffman Fragrance Necklace is perfect for a cozy soiree.

New Year's Eve - On the Town
If you plan to be at Times Square in NYC to see the ball drop, wear what you want just as long as it's warm! However if you've been invited to sip champagne at the Waldorf Astoria (which when I went by last, has been renovated), you'll want something more elegant. Here I've changed my shoes and bag from the Christmas Party outfit. My silver shoes are leather and very comfortable by Calvin Klein. My vintage gold clutch has a large jeweled clasp and a gold carry chain. Jewelry by Sophie Blake, NYC.

Arriving in silver leather shoes by Calvin Klein.

Gold Zoe Cuff by designer Sophie Blake, NYC. Citizen Eco Drive Watch

Sima Drop Earrings by Sophie Blake NYC.

The outfit details.

New Year's Eve here I come!

NYC Fashion Designers: Donna Degnan, Michael Kors and Joseph Altuzarra Holiday Outfit Ideas

Tis the season to be FABULOUS! NYC's top fashion designers show you how.

Christmas in New York is like no other place in the world. The smell of hot chestnuts roasting on the street corners to the Macy's Herald Square holiday windows, the city has it's own unique vibe. Seventh Avenue in Midtown is also known as Fashion Avenue and I've had the pleasure of meeting some of the top designers who made their start there such as Nichole Miller and Vera Wang.

This holiday look is based on neutral colors and tones with a minimum of flashy accents. Clean lines with a bit of texture and interest in the bag and boots makes it perfect for travel, shopping and enjoying the season. Here is what I am wearing:

Just in: Aaliyah Zip Front Tunic Vest & Adele Shirt by Donna Degnan

Aaliyah Zip Front Tunic Vest by Donna Degnan
This on trend long ponte knit vest is made in NYC by fashion designer Donna Degnan. This is a three season piece and there are SO many ways to wear it. Colder weather means layering a turtleneck and some opaque leggings underneath. Oh yes, Donna does those as well! Shown here in the color Vicuna, the side panels are 100% leather and the tunic is fully lined. The fabric portion of the tunic vest is has a bit of stretch and so is quite comfortable to wear. I really like the seam front pockets which makes this piece a travel-worthy companion. It resists wrinkles and packs well too. Extremely well made garment from top to bottom.

Adele Stretch Cotton Hi Lo Shirt by Donna Degnan

Adele Stretch Cotton Hi-Lo Shirt
I wear a size 6 in Ralph Lauren's women's dress shirts but the Adele fits me like a hand tailored blouse. So comfortable to wear under the Aaliyah Zip Front Tunic. Has just the right amount of stretch as it is a cool cotton-nylon-spandex blend. Made in NYC, it can be machine washed and line dried. Pair it with Donna Degnan's signature leggings or wear under your favorite suit to the office. Everyone NEEDS a white shirt. City chic all in one package! See both these designs and more at DonnaDegnan.com

My Bag: Knox Leather Tassel Hand Bag by Michael Kors

Knox Leather Tassel Hand Bag by Michael Kors
This black leather bag by Michael Kors is soft and supple but sturdy enough to handle the 5th Avenue crowd during rush hour! Yes, this bag can take a beating. Beautiful full grain leather with an inside zippered pouch and side pockets to hold your cell, keys, etc. Has an outside zippered pocket with his gold MK monogrammed emblem and luxurious leather tassel. Has rolled top handles and a adjustable shoulder strap. Extremely well made and just the right size.

MK Knox Leather Tassel Bag

Ankle Boots by Joseph Altuzarra
Ankle Boots like these are everywhere this season but I especially like the gold buckle, reptile texture and lace up details on these. Part of Altuzarra's Fall 2014 capsule collection for Target, I purchased these one half size larger than my usual shoe size due to the pointy toes. They fit great and don't gap too much around my skinny ankles! Easy to get on and off as they have a full sized zipper on the inside seam. Really these are the bomb as you can see and would work great with pants, leggings or a dress. So there you go...from the runway to your walkway...work it!

Ankle Boots by Joseph Altuzarra for Target

Foxie Ivory Knit Cap by Pistil Designs
Topping everything off is my cozy knit cap by Pistil Designs. This is a soft, knitted hat with a super fluffy pom pom on top. The Foxie reminds me of the Tam O' Shanters I used to wear as a child but so much more stylish! Has a metal plate with the Pistil name sewn on. Pretty, soft and warm for those cold snowy winter days. So I guess I can go ahead and dream of a White Christmas? I think so. See all the new Winter 2014-2015 hat and scarf fashions at PistilDesigns.com

Handbag and Ankle Boots-Mine
JLo Tortoise Shell Rx Sunglasses-Mine
Makeup by: Kett Cosmetics, Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Lipstick in Envious
Clothing and Accessories c/o Donna Degnan and Pistil Designs respectively.

Fall Looks: Carve Designs Separates - Michael Kors Knox Tassel Handbag - Naturalizer Josette Leather Boots

Falling for it! Carve Designs separates & Naturalizer Josette Leather Riding Boots

by Best Picks Magazine on Oct 08, 2014

Crisp fall days are made for apple and pumpkin picking in these comfortable cozy knit separates from Carve Designs of CA. The Cedars Tuxedo Top has an easy button down front. The Napa Skirt has a fold over waist band with a flattering A Line fit.

I'm also wearing Naturalizer's buttery soft Josette Leather Riding Boots in Banana & Black with full length zips and gold details at the strap. My bag is by Michael Kors - his signature Knox Leather Tassel Bag so on trend this season. Adding a bit of sparkle is the Gold Druzy Teardrop necklace by Jaimie Nicole and Turquoise earrings from Cate & Chloe. River Stone Bracelet is designed by Diana Kauffman. Straw Cowboy hat by Dorfman-Pacific. Sunglasses from Converse All Star Collection. The season's hottest accessory? Those Lamborghini Ear Phones! The bass in these is unreal. Perfect for your fall walks with your favorite iTunes.

Makeup: Kett Hydro Foundation via airbrush. Lipcolor: NEW Pure Color Envy by Estee Lauder in Envious

Fragrance: NEW Wild Essence by Halle Berry

Clothing, jewelry and accessories c/o of the respective designers mentioned here.

Michael Kors Knox Leather Tassel Handbag - Mine

Naturalizer Penny Leather Handbag ORANGE is the New Black

Summer 2013, NYC: I'm so ready to celebrate summer! Now you may be more familiar with Naturalizer shoes for their unparalleled comfort but their leather handbags are of equal beauty and quality.

This season, add a pop of color with this luxurious color way trending in orange.  All of the top designers from Hermes to MK (Michael Kors) are making similar bags in this rich color as a bold fashion statement. Personally for me black is blah for summer and fall so this was a refreshing change from the darker tones of winter. 

Naturalizer's Penny Handbag in Orange Leather & Italian Silk Scarf

From the Office to the Hamptons
What I like about this handbag is it's fine crafting and versatility. It's roomy enough to fit a file folder for the boardroom but pop on a little silk scarf and it's ready for vacation travel. In fact the leather itself is very close to being fine luggage quality. Like well made luggage, it has metal feet and metal reinforcements on the straps. There is an outside pouch for your cell and a slit/lined pouch in the back.

Above: Interior of the Penny.  Below Camelia Flower Makeup Bag by Chanel.

The Penny Handbag is richly appointed inside and out with a beautiful textile lined interior. The inside pouch is ample but the center zippered pouch is genius. It acts as a natural divider, keeping your purse contents in their place. There's a pouch for your sunglasses and what-nots but I like to pop my car keys in there for quick access. I like the magnetic center clasp that keeps everything together as this is the perfect bag to mix business and pleasure. Here are some other features of the Penny:
The Penny Handbag Has:

• Top zip closure
• Front and back pockets
• Interior features open and zipper compartments
• Textile lining
• Shoulder straps with an 8 inch drop
• 13 1/2 inches long X 10 inches high X 6 inches wide

 
 

Naturalizer Penny Handbag on a rainy day, this bag can hold its own in bad weather.

I paired this handbag with Earthies Solerno Too Wedges in Spice available at Nordstrom

C/O Naturalizer whose marvelous shoes I have purchased for many years and Earthies, a new level in comfort.