Tag Archives: coach

style files: jaci carley of inhabit

I suspect it’s no secret by now that I have a longstanding love of all things Inhabit. Some brands get my heart for a season, or even a year…but with Inhabit, it’s for life. Their fabrics defy all logic – cashmere that’s somehow both lightweight and sumptuous, cotton so soft that you’d swear it was silk – and their designs always strike that perfect balance between edgy and classic. Smart details like reverse seams and asymmetrical side vents make even a simple cashmere crewneck into a collector’s piece.

So, when their impossibly hip designer, Jaci Carley, offered to do a little styling challenge with me, featuring my favorite piece from their spring collection (three cheers for Twitter!), you can guess how quickly I said yes. inhabit cashmere

styling stripes, striped sweater styling, inhabit spring 2014, how to style striped sweater, jaci carley  Read on

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weekend forecast

weekend-forecast, via shopping's my cardio

Where on earth did this week go, friends? Is November scaring the pants off you with its apparent insistence on hurtling toward December at a breakneck pace? Or is that just me? Mental note: must find a way to take a deep breath and have a cocktail before my brain scrambles entirely. Besides drinking myself into a semi-relaxed state, here’s what I’ll be up to this weekend: Read on

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on my radar: coach shoes for fall ’13

Friends, I don’t want to alarm you, but have you looked at Coach‘s website lately? I got a note from them asking if I’d take a peek at the new Coach shoes for fall, and can I just say: socks officially knocked off! I’ve been loving the brand evolution going on at Coach over the last few years – things are getting hipper, less predictable, and generally more interesting. But these shoes, friends? It’s on a whole new level. Read on

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am i blue?

Most of you probably don’t know this, but one of the reasons I started SMC back in my wee baby blogging days was that I’m a chronic overshopper. Give me a task, a specific piece to search for, and I’m like an obsessive-compulsive dog with a bone – I simply cannot stop until I’ve unearthed every possible option, in every possible shape and at every possible price. With a blog as an outlet, that pesky little personality flaw just turns into “content research.” This is why we all need jobs doing what we love.

Case in point: now that blue is the bag color this season, I’m finally ready to take the plunge. Mind you, I’m no fair weather convert to cobalt. I’ve been eyeing those baby blues for at least three years now. But this year, I think I’ve finally got it. My elusive white whale (well, it’s a blue whale I suppose, really) is right here:

Read on

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get gifting: in style

For some reason, this guide is always the hardest one for me…possibly because part of me thinks this whole blog is one giant style gift guide (isn’t it?). But still, I know we all have that trend-obsessed slave to fashion on our list who feels impossible to please. Take my word for it: your work’s officially done. Any one of these gifts is 100% SMC-guaranteed to put a geeky holiday grin on even the pickiest fashionista’s face.

Read on

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all in the details: modern multi-strand pearls

Kate M.W. ~ As a persistent fan of the statement necklace, but also as one who may often find it hard to stray from traditional favourites, I’m always on the lookout for options that balance the two. This multi-strand pewter pearl necklace from Hazel & Marie is an excellent way to capitalize on the classic chicness of pearls, and yet truly embrace the ever-so-popular statement necklace. One part unique with the colour of the pearls (something to play well with fall and winter tones), one part classic (as pearls always are), and of course one part bold.

Signature Twist Pearls in Pewter, Hazel & Marie, $175

A default combination for this necklace would be skinny black pants, an oversized white button-down with a great skinny belt, and your hair thrown up in a nonchalant bun. That being said, the twist on a classic tone of the necklace has inspired something a little different. Though the necklace could be quite dressy, I’m inclined to go with trendy metallic thread jeans (copper and pewter are always an intriguing mix), and a casual grey borderline slouchy sweater with a wider neckline. The idea is to balance bold trendy bottoms with a laid-back top that juxtaposes the necklace.

Grey Dolman Cashmere Sweater, Only Mine, $128 / “The Skinny” in Liquid Metallic Copper, 7 for All Mankind

With two relatively bold pieces already in the styling, it wouldn’t be asking too much to make sure that the rest of the details essentially sign up for a non-compete clause. Conclusion? Serious basics. My daytime staples would be a functional full-sized black tote, easy black ballet flats, and my favourite neutral sunglasses. Feel free to swap in basic black heels and a simple clutch for the evening. Either way I’d keep jewelry category streamlined to a cocktail ring and an oversized chronometer, and perhaps adding pewter pearl or subtle copper studs. Polished fall waves work around the clock, and coppery “greige” eyeshadows really set the outfits colour palette.

Metal Trio Earring Set, Kenneth Jay Lane, $95 / Greige Palette, Dior, $59 / Chelsea Pump, Cole Haan, $298 / Foldover Clutch, Mango, $100 / Tricolor Chronograph, Michael Kors, $250 / Francisca Sunglasses Oliver Peoples, $325 / Legacy Tanner Tote, Coach, $498 / Black Patent Pirouette, London Sole, $165

When working with bold statement pieces and yet still holding tight to your favourite staples, treading the line between comfortable and polished is easy if you keep your style all in the details.

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all in the details: shimmering sailor knot necklace

Kate ~ Transition, transition, transition. Every blog, every magazine, everyone discussing fashion for this upcoming season is mentioning transition pieces (…myself included). While the natural thought pattern for transitional accessories normally just turns to the addition of hats and scarves, or swapping neon for deep jewel tones, there’s always the option of allowing the dazzle and sparkle to play double duty as well.

Case in point? This necklace from Ranna Gill pays homage to to the nautical knots trends of spring and summer, while also feeling readily at home with deep golds and subtle colour for fall (cobalt, maroon and pale pink). It’s substantial enough to pair with a cardigan or sweater, but also not too overwhelming for a t-shirt and jeans.

Shimmering Sailor Knot Necklace, Anthropologie, $118

A necklace like this presents a unique opportunity to pair casual with dressy. A simple navy sweater that borders on loungewear adds ease to a multi-toned patterned pencil skirt with metallic thread. Because the necklace and skirt have similar colour palettes they complement as opposed to compete with one another. The sweater keeps things from being overly fancy and lends a daytime essence to the outfit.

Studio Sweater, Gap, $40 / Floral Brocade Pencil Skirt, J.Crew, $168

Since there’s a lot going on balancing the necklace and the skirt, your details need to be crisp and unfussy to tone down the overall look. Tiny hammered studs are the only other jewelry I’d suggest, aside from an understated brown leather band watch and perhaps some dainty gold rings. Instead of extra jewels, have fun with a warm medium burgundy nail polish – metallic or creme, you choose! A structured ladylike handbag maintains the feminine tone alongside simple brown ballet loafers. Furthermore all of these pieces will move seamlessly between the seasons as hardwearing staples.

Wallace Watch, Fossil, $85 / Tramp Stamp or Shag, butter London, $14 / Stackable Band Rings, Stella & Dot, $39 / Willis Bag in British Tan, Coach, $298 / Carmel Tiny Hammered Studs, Gorjana, $22 / Calfskin Ballet Loafers, Brooks Brothers, $118

Picking pieces that transition from late summer to fall is crucial at this point in the year.. Mixing transition with bold balance (metallic thread pencil skirts and sparkling necklaces) is a fun way to bring the light of summer into a refined fall. Statement and staples, it’s all in the details.

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on the cheap: the classic french girl

{Editor’s Note: A hearty welcome to Kristina, who joins us as our resident bargain shopper! Kristina’s going down into the trenches to find the best steals and deals on the www and put together ensembles that prove great style is possible at every price. So happy to have her on the team!}

Kristina ~ White House Black Market’s claim that their City Pants adjust to fit any body shape made me dubious at best. I have what is known as a “pear shape”, and finding pants that fit in the waist without cutting off the circulation in my rear and thighs can be a major challenge. Now add in the fact that I’m 5’2”, and shopping for pants becomes nearly impossible. Imagine my delight when I found that these come in three different hem lengths! Let the challenge begin…

The Red City Pant, White House Black Market, $78

I have found that WHBM is fairly generous with their sizing and I typically wear a size smaller with them than I would with other stores. Sure enough, one size smaller fit me perfectly through the rear and waist! Cue fitting room happy dance! Unfortunately, even the short length hit at the tops of my feet instead of at my ankle, so I will still have to have them tailored to achieve that perfect ankle-skimming length, but hems are a much easier fix than taking in the waist.

To style these, I’d pair them with a classic striped tee (loving the gold hardware on this boatneck from J.Crew!), some leopard flats, and a bag with a pop of contrasting color – red doesn’t always have to steal the show. Layer on the classic trench you already have in your closet (or snag this super steal from Target) and you’re ready for fall as well.

Merona Belted Long Trench, Target, $25 / Painter Boatneck Tee, J.Crew, $45
Legacy Leather Mini Saddlebag
, Coach, $158 / Speakup Leopard Flats, Nine West, $79

What are your favorite tricks for styling red pants? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments!

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