The Ultimate Fashion Blogger Guide to Fall Coats

Hi lovelies,

Even though we are having an almost unbearable heat wave her in sunny Los Angeles, CA, my inner New York girl is dying to break-out my favorite coats for Fall, so I've decided to make my ultimate list for coats and jackets this season. 

Style tip: The key to rocking coats and jackets in Fall is all about layering. Wear a coat, long sleeve, and tank tops, so you can add and take-off layers throughout the day or night as the temperature, your mood, or style changes. 

Shop my Fashion Guide to Fall Coats below.

Fashion Blogger Guide to Fall Coats

The Girlfriend's Guide to Wine: Stay Golden with NakedWines.com

Hi lovelies,

Spring has officially sprung here in sunny Los Angeles, CA. This means that it's time to take advantage of the beautiful weather and plan fun gatherings and trips with my group of besties. The only thing we love more than laughing, taking road trips, shopping, and just grabbing lattes, is enjoying a refreshing glass of wine, Rosé, or champers, while plotting to take over the world and take our #girlBOSS status to the next level.

My group of strong and intelligent besties reminds me of one another group of equally inspiring women, the lovely ladies from one of my favorite television shows, The Golden Girls. The iconic Dorothy, Sophia, Blanche, and Rose, may have had cheesecake to bring them all together, but my besties and I have wine to unite us thanks to NakedWines.com.

But it should be said, that we should enjoy our wine in a responsible way. There's nothing wrong with seeking help with detoxing and any additions that you may have, especially at the Colorado alcohol detox center. 

NakedWines.com gives us exclusive access and special prices wine created by independent winemakers, so we can support other entrepreneurs while we bond and unwind. What we particularly love about NakedWines.com, is that we are able to uncover new wines that we can't get from our average or local stores.

Plus, it allows us to support boutique and smaller vineyards, winemakers, and wineries by using the internet to connect us in a new and innovative way. We simply sign-up as an “Angel” and then we get insider access to

The Girlfriend's Guide to Wine: Stay Golden

DOROTHY ZBORNAK:

If you're a Dorothy that means that you're glue that holds your friend group together and every one comes to you when they need some tough love with a gentle delivery. You're the natural leader of the pack who's smart, strong, and fiercely loyal.

Dorothy Wines:

Christian Patat Pecorino 2015
Get yours here: http://bit.ly/2ouftfZ

• $9.99 angel pricing/$16.99 retail

• 100% Pecorino (yes, it’s a grape too!)

• 12.5% ABV

• From Marche, Italy which is centrally located in the middle of the country next to the Adriatic Sea named after the sheep in Marche who used to snack on them.

• Appearance: Straw yellow with some hints of green

• Aroma: White peach, white flower, ocean breeze

• Palate: Papaya, grapefruit, blood orange

• Food Pairing Recommendations: Shrimp pasta with basil, garlic and a homemade tomato sauce

Mr Glover Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2016
Get yours here: http://bit.ly/2nTeOnt

• $12.99 angel pricing/$21.99 retail

• 100% Sauvignon Blanc

• 13% ABV

• From Marlborough, New Zealand which is the north part of the South Island

• Appearance: Pale, light straw

• Aroma: Passionfruit, gooseberry, lime, fresh cut grass

• Palate: Lemongrass, green pepper, guava, pink grapefruit, peach

• Food Pairing Recommendations: Thai food

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SOPHIA PETRILLO:

If you're a Sophia, then you're the wittiest and funniest gal in your girl group. Everyone comes to you for a good laugh, sound advice, and a home-cooked meal with a glass of wine. Even though you're quick as a whip and can be super sarcastic at times, you're still super sensitive and would be there for your besties in a heart beat.

Sophia's Wines:

Villebois Pouilly Fume 2015
Get yours here: http://bit.ly/2n4Pc88

• $18.99 angel pricing/$31.99 retail

• 100% Sauvignon Blanc

• 12.5% ABV

• From the Central Vineyards in the Loire Valley, right next to Sancerre

• Appearance: pale, light straw

• Aroma: Gunpowder, smokiness (flint), tropical fruit

• Palate: Limestone, pineapple, mango, grapefruit

• Food Pairing Recommendations: Anything with goat cheese or shellfish dishes

Petit Villebois Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Get yours here: http://bit.ly/2nPieWu

• $11.99 angel pricing/$25.99 retail

• 100% Sauvignon Blanc from several vineyards in the Loire Valley (where Sancerre is located)

• 12% ABV

• Appearance: Pale, light straw with some hints of green

• Aroma: Gooseberry, lemon, lime, grapefruit

• Palate: Limestone, asparagus, citrus

• Food Pairing Recommendations: Anything with goat cheese or shellfish dishes

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BLANCHE DEVEREAUX:

If you're a Blanche, then you never apologize for being who you are and you love it when all eyes are on you. You're the go-to fashionista of your girl group and you always have the best guy advice. You ooze confidence but you have a sweet spot for spending quality with your friends. You bring the spice to every party and you're always game for an adventure.

Blanche's Wines:

Jean Philippe Moulin Champagne Rose
Get yours here: http://bit.ly/2n4FUZG

• $29.99 angel pricing/ $59.99 retail

• Don't overly chill-48°F to 51°F is perfect temperature

• 85% Chardonnay 15% Pinot Noir

• 12% ABV

• Comparable to Tattinger & Bollinger Champagne rose

• Appearance: Coral/salmon

• Aroma: Fresh strawberries, raspberries, red currant

• Palate: Dry, elegantly smooth, pomegranate, red fruit preserves

• Food Pairing Recommendations: Proscuitto wrapped melon or tuna tartare

W. Donaldson Blanc de Blancs 2014
Get yours here: http://bit.ly/2oRlBLP

• $18.99 angel pricing/ $34.99 retail

• 100% Chardonnay

• 12.5% ABV

• Sparkling wine made just like Champagne, but from California from Wayne Donaldson who used to be the head winemaker of Chandon

• Blanc de Blancs translates to white wine from white grapes, which makes sense because it is 100% Chardonnay

• Aged on yeasts for 24 months to create crisp, graceful wine with poise and concentration

• Grapes are from the coldest areas of Sonoma County

• Appearance: Yellow straw

• Aroma: Apricot, fresh baked pastries, grapefruit

• Palate: Brioche, granny smith apple, green fig

• Food Pairing Recommendations: Raw oysters

Benjamin Laroche Chablis 1er Cru Vaucoupin 2014
Get yours here: http://bit.ly/2ou8jsE

• $21.99 angel pricing/$36.99 retail

• 100% Chardonnay

• 13% ABV

• From a premier cru vineyard located in Chablis which is a part of Burgundy, France

• Appearance: Pale, light straw

• Aroma: White flowers, pear, starfruit

• Palate: Honeycomb, lemon, chalky minerality

• Food Pairing Recommendations: Triple cream brie

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ROSE NYLUND:

If you're a Rose, then you have a heart of gold and is the group's resident sweetheart. You're positivity and encouragement is infectious and everyone always feels better about themselves when they're around you. You love making your friends smile and you're always game to be your bestie's partner-in-crime.

Rose's Wines:

Benjamin Darnault Pique Nique Rosé 2015
Get yours here: http://bit.ly/2otUGcP

• $9.99 angel pricing/ $16.99 retail

• Grapes from the south of France in the Pays d’ Oc (Languedoc-Roussillon) with coastal Mediterranean influences

• 100% grenache

• 12.5% ABV

• Made by the maceration method, when red wine grapes (grenache in this case) are left alone to rest, otherwise known as “macerate” for an extended period of time. The wine touches the red grape skins for 2-20 hours typically. Afterward, the entire batch of juice is transformed into a rosé.

• Appearance: Pale rose gold

• Aroma: Fresh strawberries and whipped cream, rose petals

• Palate: Dry, rich, medium plus acidity, clean, crisp, refreshing with notes of raspberry, strawberry, golden honeydew, saline, with a nice mineral, savory finish

• Food Pairing Recommendations: Shrimp sauteed in garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, olive oil, lemon juice topped with feta cheese on top of mixed greens of a pasta of choice

W. Donaldson Rose 2014
Get yours here: http://bit.ly/2n4G5o0

• $18.99 angel pricing/$34.99 retail

• 75% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay

• 13% ABV

• Sparkling wine made just like Champagne, but from California from Wayne Donaldson who used to be the head winemaker of Chandon

• Aged on yeasts for 24 months to create crisp, graceful wine with poise and concentration

• Grapes are from the coldest areas of Sonoma County

• Appearance: Pink

• Aroma: Summer berries, rose petals

• Palate: Rich and elegant with notes of strawberry, raspberry, and cranberry

• Food Pairing Recommendations: Smoked salmon

Stefano di Blasi IGT delle Venezie 2015
Get yours here: http://bit.ly/2nTkeyF

• $9.99 angel pricing/$16.99 retail

• 90% Garganega , 10 % Chardonnay

• 12% ABV

• Blended chardonnay for ripeness and garganega for minerality

• The IGT delle Venezie appellation, otherwise known as Tre Venezie (three Venices) is located in Northeast Italy

• Appearance: Pale, light straw

• Aroma: Honeydew, white nectarine, fennel and honeysuckle

• Palate: Marjoram, peach, saline

• Food Pairing Recommendations: Anything with pesto

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How NakedWines.Com Works:

3 Ways to Get Fit with Wrigley's Orbit Gum

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Thank you Orbit Gum for sponsoring this post. Get into the action and pick up some Orbit at your favorite retailer!

Hi lovelies,

Since kicking off the New Year, I've been maintaining my health and fitness goals by following three fun and easy guidelines while adding in the super flavorful, but never too sweet, Orbit® Gum by Wrigley's.

True to my belief that everything starts from within, having a healthy, strong, and fit body, starts with being happy and whole from the inside out while having a balanced and healthy mindset. Thus, I strive to be mindful of how I treat my body and what I put into my body.

Orbit Gum helps me to easily maintain this balanced lifestyle by being my fitness and health partner-in-crime whether I'm hiking Runyon Canyon, going for my morning run down Santa Monica Blvd., or curbing my sweet tooth in-between meals. Check out below for my health and fitness secrets to staying on-track.

3 Ways to Get Fit with Orbit Gum

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#1: Run with Orbit
If you know me, you know that I live for my daily runs. Whether I'm hitting up the treadmill or the pavement, I try to get in a few miles a day to clear my mind, strengthen my body, and give me an energy boost throughout the day.

In addition to having my power-house workout playlist to motivate me throughout my, I also pop in one of my favorite flavors of Orbit Gum to chew on while I let my mind flow and my feet fly. Enjoying the gum allows me to take my mind off of how many miles I'm tracking and focus on just being present in the moment and enjoying the experience.

#2: Opt for Orbit To Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Even though Orbit Gum is sugar-free gum is available in some yummy flavors including Spearmint, Peppermint, Wintermint, Bubblemint, Strawberry, Citrus, Sweet Mint, and Orbit White, the gum satisfies my sweet tooth when I'm craving a treat. It's a healthy way to treat myself without consuming empty calories, sugars, and fats, from my guilt pleasures that include cookies, cake, cheese, and brownies. Especially since gum is a flavorful treat with only 5-10 calories per serving, plus sugar-free gum also provides oral care benefits.

Another healthy trick is to drink a ton of water. Usually when I have a craving or feel hungry before it's mealtime, I drink a glass of water and that cuts my craving and fills me up. A lot of the time we mistake hunger for thirst and dehydration.

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#3: Meditate with Orbit
I know, I know. You're probably tired of me incorporating mediation into my posts, but it has fundamentally changed my life and I want nothing more than to share this life-changing experience with you all.

Since healthy bodies start with healthy minds and balanced lifestyles, starting your day from a grounded place of peace through meditation is crucial in making and keeping your fitness goals. I like to enjoy Sweet Mint Orbit Gum right before I settle in for my meditation session. It leaves my mouth feeling clean and fresh, which just opens me up and puts me in relaxation mode.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

The Blogger Guide to Beauty: Part 1

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Hi lovelies,

The one thing that I truly believe about beauty, is that it's all about making a statement without saying word. True beauty starts from within and just like fashion, we use our make-up and beauty looks as a way to express who we are and our current #mood. 

Clean and clear skin is the foundation for looking and feeling healthy. Check out my blogger guide below for to get fresh looking skin and then how to create meaningful beauty looks using these amazing beauty products.

The Blogger Guide to Beauty

Ecco Bella

Look fab for this year with Ecco Bella! From makeup to hair care to skin care and fragrance, Ecco Bella has beautiful and cruelty-free lines that make you look better as the day goes on. Have clear skin, beautiful hair, fabulous makeup and smell absolutely amazing this winter! Ecco Bella uses flower color to help you stay beautiful all day long! 

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Aminocare

Want to keep soft, glowing skin this winter? Aminocare’s high-performance products are the most effective, natural anti-aging beauty remedies. Their skincare line is a MUST – especially for those with sensitive skin.  Choose from over 30 everyday skincare essentials withnourishing ingredients such as amino acids, potent anti-oxidants, hyaluronic acid, argan oil, and vitamin E, such as Aminocare Reverse Face Cream. 

• Natural Ingredients
• Anti-Aging 
• Hydrates Skin
• Renews damaged skin cells
• Repairs imperfections 
• NO parabens, dyes, or mineral oil
• Never tested on animals
• MEN's Skincare line also available! 
• Available at stores nationwide and www.aminocare.com.

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GLOW for a cause 

Need to treat your skin to something amazing? Look and feel your best this season with GLOW for a cause products! From body butter to lip balm and perfumes, you will smell divine and look fine at all times! Their delicate products will keep you feeling fresh all day and you can feel good knowing that every GLOW for a cause product you buy is directly helping one of the many charities that GLOW for a cause donates to with each purchase! Try their Wish Body Butter today!

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Dew Puff

Looking for an easy and affordable stocking-stuffer for the guys and girls in the family? You can't go wrong with the Dew Puff konjac sponge, as seen in Cosmo! Dew Puff is a must-have for everyone who wants healthy, fresh and blemish-free skin. This one simple skincare tool cleans, exfoliates, and refreshes, leaving your face feeling like a baby's butt! The Dew Puff is: 

• all natural 
• chemical and preservative free
• vegan approved
• reusable
• eco-friendly
• able to be used with any cleanser or soap, or even without!
• perfect for every skin type 
• Only $8.00 each at www.dewpuff.com, Amazon, and high end spas / stores nationwide!

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Chakra’s Bath Tea

Rose Petals, Hibiscus, and Ricebran Oil help to nourish and soothe the skin while bathing, adding a relaxing and delightful scent. Free of parabens, silicones, and other harmful ingredients, the Treets Traditions Bath Tea nourishes and relaxes skin and mind naturally. Also available in the Healing In Harmony Collection.

• Price: $12.00
• Available at Ulta Beauty and at Treets.

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EO Organic Deodorant Wipes

Perfect for the girl on the go, EO introduces their Certified Organic Deodorant Wipes in bright Tea Tree and timeless Lavender. Individually wrapped wipes make it easy to stay fresh, anywhere! Carrying these wipes in your purse, backpack, or yoga bag means you’ll always be prepared for those unexpected sweaty moments. Environmentally friendly wipes are biodegradable. 

• Price: $.69 each; $16.56/24 ct.
• Availability: www.eoproducts.com

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MALIN+GOETZ Recovery Treatment Oil 

Our luxurious facial treatment combines nine natural oils to help protect skin from free radical damage and renew skin’s appearance. Evening primrose, argan and jojoba oils help to boost hydration, reinforce skin’s moisture barrier, and soften the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Grapeseed and rosehip oils deliver essential vitamins C and E to prevent free radical damage, improve elasticity, and restore a healthy complexion. Geranium and borage oils help to reduce inflammation and balance skin by normalizing oil production. When applied daily, skin feels softer, looks smoother and takes on a youthful radiance. ($82.00 at malinandgoetz.com)

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The Makeup Drop 

The Silicone Makeup Applicator was designed to completely eliminate wasted makeup. While sponge applicators soak up large amounts of makeup during application, the MakeupDrop™ perfectly applies and blends your foundation, blush, highlighter, and concealer without absorbing one drop! Only half the amount of product is needed as compared to a traditional sponge or brush applicator. ($20.00 at makeupdrop.com)

How To Use:
Simply apply primer, foundation, powder, cream blush or any other complexion product directly to either side of the MakeupDrop™ and blend across the face for flawless results. 

How To Clean:
The MakeupDrop™ is easily cleaned with soap and water, and is perfect for those who hate messy makeup fingers!

The Blogger Guide to Summer Style: Be #CoolerInCotton

Hi lovelies,

Nothing says summer style like rocking a signature look that goes from the beach, happy hour, BBQs, music festivals, road trips, rooftops, date nights, and girls' night. That's why I turn to my 100% cotton jean jacket as my statement piece to complete any outfit to stay cool, chic, and stylish this summer. It's a staple for any fashion blogger and fashionista's closet.

3 Reasons Why I'll Be #CoolerInCotton This Summer

Reason #1: Cotton goes great with every outfit
My 100% cotton jean jacket goes with every outfit in my closet and adds a bit of a fashionable twist to the look. I can pair my jean jacket with all of my favorite summer styles from my cotton spring dresses, floral print rompers, crochet shorts with vintage tees, jean shorts with tank tops, and skinny jeans. Even when I'm dressed up for the evening, I can throw on my jean jacket for a hipster look to make the look my own.

Reason #2: Cotton keeps me both stylish and comfortable
As my signature fabric, cotton doesn't just keep me looking fashionable and stylish, it also keeps me cool. It's usually blended into the pieces that I purchase and in the looks that are already hanging in my closet. The fabric is super breathable and light weight, which makes it perfect for hot summer days in the sun. But it also doubles as the perfect layer during the cool L.A. nights. It's the perfect signature piece for layering for both style and comfort.

Reason #3: Cotton is super easy to care for while always being on-trend
Since I'm always on-the-go, I need my signature piece, my jean jacket, and fabric, cotton, to be easy to take care without any hassles. The majority of cotton and cotton-blended pieces don't require dry cleaning and I just wash my pieces at home. My pieces look great for longer as well since cotton durable, doesn't keep odors, super breathable, and is a natural fiber.

Shop my #CoolerInCotton Look:

• Denim Jacket
• Graphic Tees 
• Denim Shorts 
• Summer Dresses

Fashion tip: When your'e on the hunt for cotton pieces, don't be afraid to opt for cotton-rich fabrics, since cotton blends are just as fabulous and comfortable as 100% cotton pieces. Shop for pieces that are 60% cotton or higher for all apparel and 90% or higher for denim, and don’t forget to double-check your labels for cotton.

To learn more about the benefits of staying #CoolerInCotton head to CoolerInCotton.com.

*Compensation/Product for this post was provided by SheSpeaks/Cotton. The opinions expressed herein are mine alone and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of SheSpeaks/Cotton.”   

Valentine's Day Gift Guide: Glamulet DIY Charms

Hi lovelies,

My main squeeze is a pretty chill, laid-back, and cool type of guy so shopping for him on Valentine's Day can be a bit of challenge since he's very much a “guy's guy.” But after running around town looking for the perfect pieces to put together for my Valentine's Day gift for him, I was finally able to put together a gift for him that I know he'll love.

However, when it comes to shopping for me, it doesn't get any easier than heading over to Glamulet to create some of their signature DIY charms for Valentine's Day. So whether or not you're shopping for your special someone or you've decided to treat yourself this Valentine's Day, you can find that perfect piece on Glamulet.

Check out below for my list of my favorite pieces from Glamulet and if you shop now you can save up to 90% off, just in time for Valentine's Day.

Plus get a free charm on all orders over $69 and a free Valentine's Day Charm on all orders over $99. Don't forget about the free shipping on orders over $59.

Find the perfect Glamulet DIY Charms for Valentine's Day:

Perfect for Mom: Silver Crystal Magenta Bead Charm, shop here.

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Perfect for your Best Friend: Memorable Charms White Heart, shop here.

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Perfect for your Main Squeeze: "Forever together" heart charm, shop here.

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Perfect for You: Colorful Triple Heart Charm, shop here.

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Perfect for your Sister: Red and blue heart openwork charm, shop here.

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About Glamulet:
The Charms Brand Glamulet was launched in 2014 to offer to every woman a new range of trendy and elegant quality jewelry at an affordable price. We believe that every woman should be allowed to express herself and to feel pretty. We design glamorous Charms and Bracelets and we use quality materials to manufacture them. Each woman can mix and match the Charms to create her own Bracelet.

*Although this is a sponsored post by Glamulet and BrandBacker, all opinions are my own.

Summer entertaining with Maureen Petrosky, professional chef and lifestyle expert

Hi lovelies,

With the 4th of July just behind us, summer entertaining is officially in full swing.

Check out my interview with Maureen Petrosky, professional chef and lifestyle expert, on how to be the perfect hostess during this warm summer months.

Maureen discusses:

•  It’s all about the flavor - Give those summertime staples a makeover with delicious sauces and dressings sure to please every palate.
• Summertime in a glass - When the temperature rises, don’t forget to serve your guests a cool and refreshing beverage. Finding the right wine to pair with your summer menu can elevate your party to the next level
• Think outside the box – Put a new spin on American classics to keep your guests talking.

MORE ABOUT MAUREEN PETROSKY:
Maureen Petrosky is an author, television personality, professional chef, freelance writer/ editor, and food stylist. She makes regular appearances as a food, wine and lifestyle expert on NBC’s TODAY show. Maureen has also appeared on CNN, CNN Headline News, FOX News Channel, the Food Network, and broadcast network affiliates across the country. After working with several celebrity chefs as a contributor and editor for their culinary and wine books, Maureen authored her first solo lifestyle book, The Wine Club, A Month-by-Month Guide to Learning About Wine with Friends. Most recently she helped found foodrepublic.com, a food and lifestyle site for guys. In addition, she has written for foodnetwork.com, CNN.com, Bon Appétit, Ladies Home Journal, Better Homes and Gardens and several other publications and most recently as a cocktail columnist for thekitchn.com. Maureen began her television career behind the scenes in the roles of Executive Chef, Culinary Producer, and Food Stylist on Food Network shows including Good Eats, Cooking Thin, Cooking Live, Emeril Live, East Meets West, Taste, Chef du Jour, Hot Off the Grill, Boy Meets Grill, Cooking with Wolfgang Puck, and Semi-Homemade with Sandra Lee. Maureen has worked as a Food Stylist, both in film and print, for national and international clients. Maureen continues work as a Culinary Arts and Wine Instructor and has been a guest lecturer at the Culinary Institute of America, Greystone, in California’s Napa Valley, and the Epicurean Classic in Traverse City, Michigan and has appeared as keynote speaker at many food and wine festivals. Maureen holds a certification from the Master Court of Sommeliers and also completed the Sterling School of Spirits. She is a graduate of Villanova University and The Culinary Institute of America, where she also completed a Fellowship at their award winning American Bounty restaurant.

Shoe Guide: Your must-have shoe trends for fall

Hi lovelies,

Like any true fashionista, I'm obsessed with shoes. I wrote this trend guide for FashionEdits and couldn't wait to share it with you all.

Matching your outfit with the perfect pair of shoes can take any look from day-to-night, casual-to-cocktail, and from the boardroom to the bar. Get ready to unleash your inner Carrie Bradshaw with our shoe guide that compiles the must have shoe trends and silhouettes for fall.

Tall boots: Slip on a pair of tall boots, at least past your calves, to dress up any outfit. It's perfect over stockings or leggings. An added bonus to tall boots is that they look great with everything from dresses, shorts, to skirts. 

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Pointed-toe booties with a heel: Last season it was all about the booties with a wedge or flat bottom, but this season the bootie silhouette has upped its game and added an heel to elongate the leg and add a layer of sophistication to any look. 

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Go grey and back to nature: The color palette for the hottest shoes this season are greys, natural tones, greens, and earthy hues. Black and dark brown will always be staples but expand your fashion color palette with these lighter and muted hues to be on-trend. 

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Over-the-knee boots: This is one of our favorite trends for this season. Rock over-the-knee boots with a poncho if you want to look like you stepped out of the front row from Fashion Week. Chocolate brown, deep grey, and black are the perfect colors for this type of boots and opt for leather rather than suede.

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Hi-top sneakers: Sneakers were super hot last season, but the new way to rock the casual look is to opt for the hi-top sneaker with a chunky sole and elevated wedge. These sneakers will take any look from hipster to haute couture. 

New York Fashion Week Survival Guide

With the Mercedes-Benz Fall/Winter 2014 Fashion Week right around the corner, I thought it was only right if I provided you with my ultimate Survival Guide for NY Fashion Week.

Read below for my top tips and don’t forget to comment below and tweet @candywashington letting me know about your experiences.

Have your +1 BFF in place

The only thing better than attending the after and pre-parties and runway shows, is watching in awe of the new collections, sipping champers, and snapping selfies with your fashion-partner-in-crime. Hands down, the secret weapon of surviving Fashion Week is having a bestie to share the experience.

Smartphone and charger

It’s a Twitter and Instagram world, so make sure that your phone has the technical capabilities to tweet and post pictures and videos in-real time from the shows. Be sure to have your charger with you in case you run out of juice. Vine and Snapchat are others savvy platforms to share your fashionable content.

A killer pair of heels and a killer pair of flats

Unless you’re only going for one show or party, then be sure to pack your comfiest, yet cute, pair of ballet flats for when you’re running from show to show, downtime when you’re not in front of the camera, and waiting in the long lines to get to the shows. 

Survival toiletries:

·      Altoids and hand sanitizer – so you can meet and greet in confidence

·      Coconut Water – it’s important to stay hydrated so you don’t burn out

·      Lipgloss – so your smile is all you need to flash to get through the velvet ropes

·      Notebook and paper – call me old-fashioned, but sometimes you just need to write your notes down

Your statement outfit

During Fashion Week you can always bet on black. But it’s also the perfect occasion to be a bit daring in your ensemble – sequins, feathers, leather, sheer, and next-big-thing are all welcome. But the trick here is that whatever you choose to wear, wear it with confidence and rock it.

marc jacobs

Brooklyn Girl’s Shopping Holiday Gift Guide

As a senior fashion writer for FashionEdits and a resident of hipsterville Williamsburg, which was recently named the best shopping hood by GQ magazine, I’m lucky enough to be in-the-know for all things fashion and shopping. With the holiday shopping season upon us I pulled together the Brooklyn Girl’s Shopping Holiday Gift Guide. ‘Tis the season for shopping and cheer!

Where to shop for your best friend or sister:

Norbu Bijoux, 232A Bedford Avenue,Brooklyn, NY 11211

For the perfect piece of handcrafted jewelry from delicate necklaces, unique earrings, and one-of-a-kind gifts, stop by Norbu Bijoux. The gold, silver, and metal pieces make for perfect gifts for your sister or best friend.

Where to shop for your boss or co-worker (and yourself):

Ruby and Scarlett, 265 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

One of the newest boutiques to hit Williamsburg is Ruby and Scarlett. Select one of its many scarves and gloves options for your boss or co-worker. While you are there pick up the Parker dress in champagne gold as a treat for yourself as the perfect holiday-party hopping cocktail dress or the perfect pair of black skinny jeans and beige embroidered top.

Where to shop for your mom:

Catbird, 219 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Looking for a special holiday gift for your mom? Catbird has a vast array of candles, accessories, holiday cards, chic clothing, and ornaments. We recommend the Tocca Beauty Hand Crème Set and the Mullein and Sparrow Pink Himalayan Bath Salts.

Where to shop for your guy or brother:

Brooklyn Denim Co., 85 N. 3rd Street, No.101, Brooklyn, NY, 11249

If you want to really win over your beau’s heart this holiday season then stop by Brooklyn Denim Co. for the ideal gift for your sweetie. If your guy is a bit on the rugged side then buy him a black leather jacket to match his style, like the Schott 141 Café Racer jacket. For the more casual cutie then opt for a Levi’s Crew sweatshirt or a pair of AG Matchbox Slim Straight jeans.

Where to shop for your dad:

In God We Trust, 129 Bedford Ave, New York, NY 11211

Need to get a gift this holiday season that’s sure to bring a smile to your dad’s face? Then head over to In God We Trust for the FW13 Silk Neck Tie in black and the FW13 Cotton Bow Tie in tan for the ideal gift for dad. To really up his fashion game, get him the Cotton Twill Blazer in navy.