Recently in Karell Category

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Maybe I'm feeling inspired from my shopping/makeover weekend with my boyfriend last week (FYI: he hated every minute of it, but he looks damn hot now!), or maybe I've just noticed way too many shlumpy looking guys out there, but I woke up this morning itching to write this blog post. There are just some things guys don't seem to know about getting dressed and how, by golly, they should look when they're out with the stylish women in their lives.

 

For the man who needs some fashion help, here's some random thoughts, so you can start your journey down the very tip of the lookin'-good iceberg. (Feel free to discreetly print this out or email it to a guy in your life who needs a hint. And actually, this could totally apply to some ladies out there too):

 

1) Please, please make sure your clothes actually fit you. No, your belt on the very last notch does not mean those pants that are two sizes too big look like they fit you. And no, that oversized shirt doesn't hide your gut, it actually accentuates it. If you wear clothes that fit you, it will probably make you look skinnier (trust me on this one).

2) If your clothes are 10 years old or older (ugh), do. not. keep. on. wearing. them. Yes, that super thin t-shirt might be comfortable, but I can see your flesh underneath it.  And no, holes are not attractive (especially not in your underwear--buy new ones!)

3) A jumpsuit, sweatsuit, sweat pants, basketball shorts, tank top or hoodie are not suitable wardrobe pieces for a night out to dinner. Go put something on that doesn't have elastic!

4) Say it with me: You need different shoes for different occasions. I know you're all about quick and easy, but those ratty sneakers you wore to the gym will not work with the nice jeans and v-neck sweater you just threw on for our date to the movies.

 

And hey, if all else fails, just go shirtless.

 

This has been a PSA fashion rant for all the well-meaning but totally clueless dudes out there. And big hello to all the gentlemen who read this and thought, "That ain't me." You make me smile every time I see you on the street (well, your fashion sense and your nice butt). 

 

Do any of you ladies have any other tips for the fashion clueless? Let me know in the comments!


--Karell Roxas


Photo by: trymenow

I'm feeling a little...poofy today, and it's making it really difficult to be excited about getting dressed. I feel like everything accentuates my poofy parts instead of my not-so-poofy parts. So what's the one thing I reach for to help with this problem? A trusty belt!

 

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A belt, tied at your natural waist or a little above your natural waist (at the narrowest part of your torso, where your ribs connect) is an instantly slimming trick that anyone can do. Depending on your outfit, you can go with a wide belt, narrow belt, buckle-less belt (e.g a sash or ribbon) or something else entirely. The options are endless!

 

Here are my top five favorite belts:

1) Striped Wide Belt ($9.99) 

2) Black Patent Skinny Belt (Looove this! $12.99) Pictured

3) Mossimo Natural Belt ($16.99) 

4) Double Strap Equestrian Belt ($16.99) 

5) Trouser Buckle Belt ($12.99)

 

Do you have any tips on how to wear a belt?

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So, that conversation we had yesterday about stocking up on staples made me realize we need to take some time to praise a Fashion Do that will never go out of style: The Little Black Dress. There's no need to talk about its versatility, usefulness or amazing super powers (who KNEW you could look that good?), but we can talk about one thing: taking one little black dress and accessorizing it 4 different ways.

 

Here's our version of eco-friendly "recycling." Take your favorite little black dress and:

 

1) Accessorize with multiple necklaces. Throw on some earrings and some gloves and you're ready for a glamorous night out. (See picture for an example.)

2) Wear with colorful tights, flats and a big oversized handbag for a stylish weekend outfit.

3) Go vintage and pair with a cloche hat and buckle shoes. Hello 1920s!

4) Pair with a scarf tied around your neck or waist to add a punch of color and surprise to the simple black backdrop.

 

Do you have any tips for accessorizing a little black dress?

 

Photo by: Geishaboy500

Your wardrobe has to be a little like your pantry. What's a meal without staples like salt, pepper, ketchup or flour? Now it's time to check out your Fall wardrobe to see if you have enough of the good stuff. And hey, you've been meaning to find a great pair of jeans that really fit, right?

 

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Here are my top 5 staples every wardrobe should have:

 

1) A Pack of White V-Neck Men's Undershirts (They don't have the packs on sale online, but you can walk into any Target and find them in the Men's underwear section. I prefer Hanes tagless!) I love these for their versatility and comfort. They can act as a longer layer underneath a shrunken cardigan, or as a go-to top for those days you're feeling super casual.

2) Black Tank Tops ($8.99) Remember this discussion we just had? Don't make me say it twice.

3) One Colorful Coat in a Classic Style For example, this blue trench coat for $39.99 (pictured). It's a great way to bring color to an outfit without having to try too hard. And you can wear it every day since it's such a classic style.

4) One great fitting pair of jeans Nothing's more satisfying than having a pair of jeans you can rely on when you're just not sure what else to wear. Make sure it's not too trendy (e.g. too skinny a skinny jean or too wide a wide leg) so that it'll work as time passes by. Here's one I like: Mossimo Black: Premium Denim Jean ($29.99)

5) One Little Black Dress This is basically a whole 'nother blog post, but if you don't have this staple in your wardrobe, you need to go out and shop RIGHT NOW! I love this one: Mossimo Black: Pleat Neck Dress ($29.99)


What are your style staples?


--Karell Roxas

Maybe it's because the weather is getting increasingly colder here in NYC (45 degrees last night! Eeek!) or maybe it's because I was feeling under the weather last week (can one cure the common cold with a martini? The answer: No), but I've been all about one thing lately: Comfy comfy comfy.

 

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It's not like I've stopped caring what I look like, I've just been caring more about the ease of wearing it, and the way it feels. So today, in ode to my comfy-clothes-lovin' self are my top 5 picks for what to wear when all you want to do is sit on your couch under a blanket:

 

1) Shaun White 4 Target Cardigan ($27.99) Doesn't it always seem like guy's sweaters are more comfortable?

2) Purple Flannel Top ($15) Pictured

3) Double Layer Knit Gloves ($10.99) Can't be comfy if your hands are cold.

4) Sherpa Lined Hoodie ($20)

5) Nick & Nora Pajama set ($24.99 for the set) 


--Karell Roxas

Picture 4.pngOne of the few good things about the cooler weather: cuddling. So grab your loved one (or an amiable stranger) and get started. And hey, while you're at it, throw on a knit sweater to make the cuddle fest even more enjoyable. Target has some amazing sweaters right now for only $15 (!!!). Here are my top picks:

1) Mossimo Ultrasoft Vee-Neck Sweater in Roxy Gold/Grey Pictured

2) Mossimo Supply Co. Shawl Collar Sweater 

3) Merona V-Neck Cable Sweater 

4) Mossimo Supply Co. Long Sleeve Plaid Cardigan

5) Mossimo Supply Co. Varsity Cardigan

--Karell Roxas

Every winter this is exactly what happens to me: I go into my closet to put away my summer dresses (sniff a tear away, so sad) and root around in my storage boxes for that cute pair of gloves I remember owning, or my favorite winter hat. THEN, I'll remember that I only have one of those cute gloves left because I lost the other one in an impromptu snowball fight last February, and that the winter hat blew away in the blizzard of '08.

gloves.pngI've never been able to successfully keep a set of matching winter accessories from one year to the next. It's gotten so bad that I get "back-up" winter hats for my birthday (ha ha, I lose those too).  So this year, here's my declaration: I will not lose my winter hat. Or winter gloves. Or my favorite scarf on the subway. This year will be my year.

To raise the stakes even higher, I'm putting it on this blog for all to see. If Public Shame doesn't work, nothing will. And oh yeah, here are some cute winter accessories just because...

1) Arm warmers for when you're typing in the office and your wrists get cold.

2) Ear muffs for those nights when your hair is too cute to wear a hat.

3) A scarf because, well, you need a damn scarf.

4) Sheepskin gloves (pictured) for looking good in a snowball fight.

5) A hat for when it's so cold, you couldn't care less what your hair looks like.

--Karell Roxas
 

Picture 3.pngI love a good sale, so today's post is all about the bargain bin items on sale at Target. I wanted to go with really cheap so all these items are under $10(!!!). (How can you afford not to buy them?) Check it before they sell out:

1) Merona Ruffle Collar Dress ($8.74)  Pictured

2) Mossimo Pocket Skirt ($7)

3) Merona Double Layer Sleeveless Tee ($6.98) 

4) Mossimo Black Strapless Tube Dress ($8.74)

5) Xhilaration Tiered Tank ($9.08)

Have you found any good deals recently? Tell us all about it.

--Karell Roxas

 

Like I said before, I really hate dressing up for Halloween, but now I've been invited to a costume party and I have no choice but to go. Who says you have to sacrifice style for the sake of a holiday, though? Here are my top 4 stylish Halloween costumes:

 

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1) Coco Chanel Dress like the icon  by paring a long black dress with a long string of pearls ($90.94) and matching vintage hat. Stick a cigarette in your mouth and call it a day!


2) Amelia Earhart To look like the queen of skies, you'll need some goggles, a leather bomber jacket ($29.99) pictured and some khaki slacks.


3) Betty Draper from Mad Men To look like the dapper Draper  you'll need an A-line dress and nude high heels. Accessorize with a '50s style vintage apron and a headband ($7.99) 


4) Bettie Page: Add a little sexy to your Halloween by going as Bettie. Grab a black corset ($34.99-$36.99), fishnet stockings and coax your hair into 1940s faux bangs.

 

What are you planning to be on Halloween?


--Karell Roxas

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This should really go in combination with the layering discussion we had earlier, because the black tank top is a key piece to the right layering. (Its cousin, the nude tank top, is made for those occasions where you want your underwear to stay under and discreet.) The black tank top (though really, it can be any color you want it to be) is a simple basic that's perfect for adding some warmth and dimension to any outfit.

 

Scenario 1: Button down shirt. All buttoned up, it's straightforward and simple. (Mostly business.) Undo a button or two, make sure you have the black tank top underneath (or not, if you're feeling exceptionally randy), pair with a long necklace and there you go--from business to casual in two seconds flat.

 

Scenario 2:  Black tank top tucked into a skirt with some volume (for example NOT a pencil skirt) with some sort of unbuttoned cardigan or wrap layered over your tank. This is a great outfit for those days where you want to be a little dressy but still comfortable. For even more emphasis on your waist, use a coordinating belt or sash over your cardigan.

 

Scenario 3: Black tank top paired with bright colors.  (See picture for an example.) Leap into the neon trend by using your black tank top as a neutral anchor. For example: black tank top, neon blue skinny jeans, and a pair of black flats. Wear a black and white overcoat, and you've got the whole outfit pulled together!

 

Do you have any tips for how to wear a basic black tank top?

 

Photo by: lanuiop

 

--Karell Roxas

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Coming from someone who adores color (especially bright ones), take this next sentence with a tiny grain of fashion salt. Sometimes, color is just too much to handle. On some days, you don't want to think about what will go with that peacock blue blouse or how to pair those adorable yellow shoes with the right shade of gray.  Sometimes, you just want to keep it simple.

 

So, in ode to that simplicity here's a black and white outfit for you to try out:

Outerwear: Military Trench Jacket ($39.99) Pictured

Dress: Belted Ponte Dress in Ebony ($39.99)

Shoes: Black Gladiator Sandal ($29.99)
Bag: Cinched Clutch
($8.49)


Bonus Item! If it's raining, add this Clear Bubble Stick Umbrella ($16.99) to the outfit.

 

Do you like going through the world in black and white?

--Karell Roxas

41TR-fwcdOL._AA260_.jpgI guess I'm on a shoe kick this week. I love and own a whole bunch of red shoes, but I don't own any booties, and I've been contemplating acquiring a pair. The only problem is... how to wear it? With leggings? Skinny jeans? A dress? How long (or short) should the skirt be?

While we're contemplating all the wonderful possibilities, let's see what new booties we could possibly own:

1) Buckle Ankle Boots ($29.99)

2) Purple Peep Toe ($29.99)  Pictured

3) Cognac Ankle Boots ($29.99)

4) Grey Flannel Bootie ($22.99)

5) High Heel Ankle Booties ($29.99)


--Karell Roxas

 



Sometimes, when I'm feeling the outfit doldrums, I step away from trying to buy another new top, dress or short shorts (oh God no, I don't really wear those), and turn to my real love: shoes. My favorite of all types of shoes is the red shoe. It's like putting on a fresh coat of lipstick or getting a new manicure. It just adds that little something usually missing to any outfit. You can pair it with every day jeans, a little black dress or even those horrid short shorts (they really can make anything look good).

 

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The only word of warning I'd like to say: unless you're going to the Oscars or some other such fanciness, please don't pair those red shoes with a cleavage baring red dress and bright red lips. Despite what others may say, you can have too much of a good thing.

 

And now, the lovely shoesies:

1) Patent Peep Toe Pumps ($26.99) Pictured

2) Plaid Flats ($16.99)

3) Red Canvas ($9)

4) Peep Toe Wedge ($24.99)


Do you like red shoes?


--Karell Roxas

Got any style questions for me? Need help trying to find an outfit for [Insert your event here]. I'd love to help! Just let me know what you're looking for and I'll do my best to find an outfit (or whatever you're looking for) that matches your needs.

Leave your questions in the comments!

--Karell Roxas

Picture 1.png Maybe you're thinking, "Cardigan? What the heck is stylish about that? " But listen...the cardigan is a good foundational basic for all sorts of different styles. It can be dressed up, dressed down, taken off, thrown around your shoulders, whatever you want.  And once that boyfriend blazer goes out of style, or that shrunken jacket becomes too shrunken, you'll be happy you have your trusty classic cardigan to throw over your skimpy chemise.

 

Pour vous, my top 5 favorite cardigans:

1) Violet Boyfriend Cardigan ($15) Pictured

2) Striped Long Cardigan ($49.99)

3) Grey Bird Print Cardigan ($19.99)

4) Tie-Neck Cardigan ($26.99)

5) Checked ¾ Sleeve Cardigan ($24.99) 


--Karell Roxas

3861604129_f3b8b151d0_b.jpgSometimes I look at my closet and think, "I HATE all this. I never want to wear any of it ever ever again." I start looking at a whole bunch of fashion magazines trying to find a "new look." But then, as I'm flipping through the pages, I see a skirt like the pencil skirt I already own or a purple cardigan just like my favorite cardigan, or even, the same EXACT pair of shoes sitting in my closet. The difference is, instead of pairing that pencil skirt with the same red blouse I always pair it with, they pick a funky sequined top, or they have the model wearing skinny jeans I never would have considered could go with those same exact shoes.

 

So my point is, sometimes (like with all the taken-for-granted constants in our life) you have to look at your beloved wares in a whole new light. Don't lean on the same obvious pairings. Forbid yourself from wearing that top and skirt combination you always wear, try those old shoes on an outfit you think may not work at all (sometimes it doesn't but as long as you don't leave the house in it, no one will ever know), or think about your old clothes in all new color combinations (check out this cute pink and yellow outfit pictured). You may be pleasantly surprised at the "new look" you've already got hanging in your house.

 

Have you ever found new inspiration in an old favorite? Tell us about it!

 

Photo by: Lorena Cupcake


--Karell Roxas

Today's post is all about one of my favorite staples: The Blazer. When I first started working right out of college, I had this hang-up about looking "professional." I ditched my contacts for glasses. I bought multiples of the same button-down in various solid colors. I wore boring shoes. It was a sad sad part of my fashion life cycle.

Then one day I realized I didn't need to look (and feel) boring to come across as professional. I just had to look put together and confident. And nothing could make me more feel confident than having an outfit I could be proud of (in the office or out).

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The blazer does just that. It helps tie everything together, looks good with jeans or slacks, and is totally easy and effortless to put on. Basically, it's like that good guy friend who's in love with you (but whom you'll never sleep with). Always there for you, willing to give everything without ever asking for anything in return (poor guy really should move on).

Now, five blazers to perfect your outfit:

1) Baby Doll Swing Jacket ($10.49) Pictured 

2) Eliza Knit Jacket ($29.99) 

3) Milly Jacket ($39.99) 

4) Casual Jacket ($34.99) 

5) Belted Jacket ($32.99) 

--Karell Roxas

 

 

 

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Quick, if you just birthed a child and need to know what to do with him or her for Halloween, buy this costume then sit back and relax. 

You'll win the Parent of the year award for cutest baby EVER. Bonus tip: Play the Spiderman theme song in the background, while you zoom your baby above other people's heads. They'll LOVE that!

Buy: Infant's Baby Spider Costume ($24.99) 

--Karell Roxas

It's October! So what does that mean? The beginnings of the first onslaught of Holiday-themed EVERYTHING.  Halloween underwear. Turkey decorations. Candy Cane earrings. So what am I doing to curb this problem? Jumping on the bandwagon. Why? Because I'm a total sheep.  And besides, if you don't do these sorts of kitschy holiday themed posts, people will think you're a heartless non-holiday loving robot who just sits at home and watches kitten videos on YouTube all day (actually, sounds pretty nice to me...).

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Anyway, I really hate dressing up for Halloween (sexy witch costume? No thank you) so I usually just try to go with one accessory that's in the holiday spirit. For you, my top 5 Halloween-themed jewelry:

1) Sterling Silver Skull Ring ($36.99) Pictured

2) Black Onyx and Diamond Earrings ($86.00) 

3) Stainless Steel Batman Ring ($34.99)

4) Bangles & Skull Bracelet ($7.99) 

5) Skull Pave Crystal Earrings ($17.99) 

What's your favorite part of Halloween? 

--Karell Roxas

The temperature's dropping but it doesn't mean you can chuck those sunglasses into the summer archives. Sunglasses are a year round necessity (and accessory), and like all the other wonderful things in this world, a girl can never have too many of them. Sometimes the sun's too bright, or sometime's the previous night was just too long.

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So here, in ode to all the hungover fashionable ladies out there, are my top 4 favorite types of sunglasses:

1) Oversized sunglasses ($14.99) Channel Audrey Hepburn or Jackie O.

2) Colored Plastic Sunglasses ($12.99) Add a little touch of fun to a boring outfit.

3) Classic Aviators ($14.99) Can't go wrong with a classic.  

4) Vintage Square Sunglasses ($12.99) Pretend the paparrazzi's following you. Pictured 

What's your favorite type of sunglasses?

--Karell Roxas

I'm a California baby. I grew up with summer practically year round, so when I moved to New York 10 years ago I had some learnin' to do. First: wind can be COLD. Second: You MUST have the proper outerwear if you don't want to get hypothermia and Third: Wear socks. (Yes, socks.) It's such a simple, yet amazing revelation. I figured out that 99.9% of my temperature problems all had to do with the fact that I wasn't wearing the right kind of socks.

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So here, in ode to my past winter-naïve self, are 6 adorable pairs of knee-high socks you should definitely own. Knee-highs have the extra fabric necessary to keep your whole leg warm (if they're too cutesy for you, keep them hidden under a pair of pants):

1) Blue Socks Dots ($4.99) 

2) Yellow Knee Highs ($6.99) 

3) Purple Argyle ($6.99) 

4) Brown socks with velvet bow ($4.99) Pictured 

5) Yellow Dots ($4.88) 

6) Pink Argyle ($6.99) 

--Karell Roxas

One of the best things about living in New York City is getting to see what all the amazing people out there are wearing. Screw Fashion Week; on the streets of the city, I see a show every time I make a turn. Take today for instance. I was out walking around Broadway with one of my best friends when a beautiful petite pregnant woman walks by with one of THE best outfits I've ever seen. It was simple: Slacks, camisole, jacket, all wrapped up with a sweet polka dot belt tied above her pregnant belly to give her just the right shape.

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It was perfection. And if I weren't such a weenie, I would have gone up to her to ask if I could take her picture for this blog. But unfortunately ladies, I am a weenie, so you'll just have to take these individual elements and imagine up your own outfit.

My version of The Hot Momma:

Top: Cowl Neck Sweater ($24.99) Pictured with White Camisole ($9.99)  underneath for extra coverage and warmth.

Middle: Purple belt ($14.99) tied over the sweater and above the belly.

Bottom: Liz Lange Flex Panel Denim ($32.99) 

I didn't check out her shoes, but I'd recommend some comfy but sweet looking flats: Suede Button Ballet Flats in Purple ($24.99) 

--Karell Roxas

The beauty of Fall? Layers. The downside of Fall? Layers that end up making you look like the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man. Dressing with some versatility is important, but it will take following some simple Do's and Don'ts to make sure the layers are done right.

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DO layer tops with different necklines. For example: Layer a scoop neck shirt with a v-neck cardigan.

DON'T add unnecessary bulk. Make sure the first layer (e.g. your t-shirt or your tights) is the one that's most fitted to your body. If you layer a bulky sweater over a shirt that's too big, for example, you'll look and feel cumbersome. 

DO choose different lengths--both in sleeve lengths and the hemline of your top. For example, a three-quarter-length sleeve top under a one-button vest. Or a shorter t-shirt on top of a longer one.

DON'T get carried away with putting on too many layers. Do you really need a hoodie over that cardigan all covered up with a jacket? I'd suggest anywhere from 2-3 levels of layers depending on how thick the individual pieces are.

DO keep your waistline in mind when you're layering. Tie a belt or sash over your top most layer to help define your waist.

Do you have your own Do's and Don'ts for layering? Let us know in the comments.

--Karell Roxas

Picture by CherryRed <3's Beardy 

Have you ever had one of those days where your hair just will not behave? No matter how much product I use, how much heat I apply, or how many tears I shed, my hair right now looks like a big pile of knotted, unraveled twine.

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Short of chopping it all off (which believe me, in this state, I'm sooo close to doing it), I'll just throw a hat on my head and be on my way. Luckily, we have many more options than just the plain ol' baseball cap. Here's my top 4 wear-this-hat-when-your-hair-sucks picks:

1) Felt Cloche with Feather ($14.99)  Pictured

2) Denim Striped Large Bucket Hat ($23.99) 

3) Menswear Striped Fedora ($12.99) 

4) Reversible Floppy Hat ($16.99) 

--Karell Roxas

Sometimes when I'm having a hard time putting an outfit together, I'll start by concentrating on just one small thing. Maybe it's a pair of shoes, a belt or even a pair of earrings or a ring. It's great, because once I've figured out what sort of "mood" I'm in the rest comes together much more easily.

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So here, in ode to the little things, are four accessories you can use to build an outfit. (One isn't a traditional accessory--but that's what makes it more fun. Start looking at objects in a different way, and you'll add even more originality to your outfits).

1) Bird and Scissor Earring Set ($24.99)  Pictured

2) Straight Feather Headband ($7.99) 

 3) Colorful Link Belt in Pink ($10.48) 

4) MoMa Mini Sky Umbrella ($35.99) 

What's your favorite accessory?

--Karell Roxas

I'm not a fan of the rain (who is? Well, maybe those folks who think it's "romantic," blah), but I AM a fan of rain boots! I'm not sure what it is. Maybe it's because it's a way to add whimsy without much work, or maybe it's because I like to tap into my inner child, or maybe it's because they're just so damn fun (and cheap! For the most part).

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Here's my Top 5 Picks for rain boots, along with possible outfits to go with:

1) Women's Retro Birdie Rain Boots ($24.99)  Try pairing this lovely with a matching red trench coat. Pictured

2) Zada Tall Rain Boots ($24.99): Not shaped like your typical rain boot. Wear with a fun patterned dress. Polka dots perhaps? 

3) Zera Anchor Rainboots ($24.99): Pair with your favorite shorts and top. You could do a whole nautical theme and incorporate the colors navy blue and white.

4) Women's Schooled Fish Rain Boots ($24.99): Try these bad boys worn with jeans tucked in, a t-shirt and a cardigan. 

5) Zetta Solid Rainboots in Yellow ($24.99): Pair with a monochromatic gray outfit--gray pencil skirt and ¾ sleeve gray top, perhaps? 

Do you own rain boots? 

--Karell Roxas

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Remember all that hoo-ha I was spewing the other day about learning to love pants? Okay, well maybe it wasn't hoo-ha, but it will be a drastic change.  And while I do love something new every now and then, it's hard not to stick to what you know and love. Which brings me to...tights.  Yes, I know what you're thinking because I've thought the same thing. The word "tights" automatically makes you think juvenile, little girls, ballerinas...

Well, if you follow a few simple rules you won't get stuck being mistaken for a five year old:

Rule 1: Stick with black if you can't make a decision. When all else fails, solid black tights will go with anything. They'll go with most patterns, short or long skirt lengths, high heeled or flat shoes, etc. 

Rule 2: If you're going to use color, pick one bold color and play down the rest. For example, I'll wear my favorite pair of red tights with a black and white dress. Or maybe pair yellow tights with a solid gray dress.  The trick is not to let too many of your pieces compete with each other. If you do that, you won't end up looking like you just jumped out of the Reading Rainbow.

Rule 3: Leave patterned tights up to the pros. Hey, if you've advanced beyond Fashion Styling 101, go ahead and mix that diagonal patterned black tight with your favorite shorts and plaid shirt, but for the rest of us normal fashion creatures, I'd advise against it. Mixing patterns (along with mixing textures) is a tricky feat, and if done wrong, you could look very unfortunate. 

Rule 4 (and perhaps the most important): Please DO NOT wear tights as pants. Yes, you've probably seen it out there. Ladies will wear a pair of tights, throw on a tunic or other similarly styled long blouse and walk right out the door. DO NOT DO THIS. Just don't. No one needs to see your bad sense hanging out along with your butt.

Do you have any rules for wearing tights? Let us know!

--Karell Roxas

Photo by: RandyLoodle

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I've been looking for a new handbag. The weather in New York has been sort of gray (rain rain, go away) so that's made me want to pick a bag with some color.  It's an easy way to bring some oomph to an outfit, and also adds a little bit of fun to the every day.  Here are some that I'm considering. Let me know which one you like (or hate) in the comments!

1)   Mossimo Washed Tote - Yellow ($26.99) Pictured

2)   Angie & Lola Satchel with Coin Purse - Blue ($17.48)

3)   Xhilaration Clutch - Red ($14.99)

4)  Mossimo Black Tote - Blue ($29.99)

--Karell Roxas
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Recently, I declared on my Facebook status: "Pants = boring." I was bitter about the weather turning colder and sad that I would soon have to put away all my lovely summer dresses.  (As you read my blog, you'll get to see that I lean very heavily toward dresses and skirts. A dress is practically all-in-one styling! How could you not love that?)

I've decided to try and be a better person. A better, more open-minded, pants-wearing person.  So here's top four picks for new pants I may or may not buy:

1)   Mossimo Cuffed Skinny Trousers ($24.99) Pictured

2)   Converse One Star Alexis Knit Pant ($29.99)

3)   Merona Collection Refined Denim Pant ($20.98)

4)   Mossimo Supply Co. Skinny Denim ($27.99)                     

So tell me, do you prefer pants or dresses?

--Karell Roxas 

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So yes, I hate Fall.

But remember when I said I thought I'd trick myself into believing it was still summer? Yeah, well I actually put some real clothes on and went outside for a walk (that's a perk of being a freelancer--working in your PJ's!) and realized, HOLY CRAP, it's getting cold out there!

Okay, breaking news: WE HAVE TO DRESS FOR THE WEATHER. That's all right though, because it's an excuse (nay, a necessity!) to go shopping (because we have no other choice when the sun starts setting earlier and the degree digits start inching closer to the mid 50s and 60s).  

Now that you're thoroughly informed, let's look around and see if we can find some lovely pieces that will help us transition to the new weather. Luckily, there's a lot we can do with layers.

Exhibit 1: Layer this navy trench coat (LOVE the piping!) over your favorite dress. You'll stay warm and that dress will get a few more weeks use.

Exhibit 2: Wear this cardigan over your favorite tank top or tee.  The double breasted style adds a little more of that "dressed-up" feeling.

Exhibit 3: Grab a new pair of boots and match them up with your favorite skirt, dress or pants. For something more rugged and casual I'd go with these leather boots. For something more sexy, try these tall black boots.

And now, your turn. How do you like to layer? Give us some tips!

--Karell Roxas