Fashion Friday: Stella & Dot Fall Favorites

It's been a while since we've had a Fashion Friday post but fall is my favorite season so I couldn't let it pass us by without sharing some great accessories. More fashion posts to come in future weeks! I'm loving the new fall collection over at Stella & Dot and in case you weren't aware they have expanded from jewelry only to a full accessories line including handbags, wallets, tech accessories and jewelry travel rolls.

I'm a big fan of their jewelry because I know it is quality, I never have to question whether it contains nickel (which contains lead) and is not safe for children or adults, which quite a bit of fashion jewelry contains. Their entire collection is nickel free which is important as they have a girls' jewelry collection too. They are always so on trend and their pieces are built to last not to mention they are so beautifully packaged they make for a lovely gift!

I took a peek at their fall collection recently and have included 9 of my favorite fall items:

{Right to Left}:  black stud earrings  //   statement necklace   //  drop sparkle earrings 

red cross-body bag  // gold link bracelet  //   tangerine printed scarf

snakeskin print handbag   //  black & gold necklace  //  leopard iPad case (mini version here)

Stella & Dot is not only just an online boutique where you can purchase beautiful jewelry and accessories, but they create flexible opportunities for women to be work-at-home entrepreneurs as an independent stylist. Whether you're a stay-at-home mom looking to earn income, working full-time or part-time and are looking to create extra savings or fun money for yourself OR you just want to score a lot of beautiful jewelry for a steal, until the end of this month anyone who signs up as an independent stylist will receive $450 worth of gorgeous jewelry that you hand select for just a one-time $199 sign up fee. Isn't that awesome?!

With Christmas and the holidays right around the corner, what a great way to save up for your shopping or use the pieces as gifts. Now that kids have established themselves back at school, what a great opportunity to create a business of your own in your free time. If you're interested, click THIS LINK for more info or to sign up. This is the best deal I've seen them run so far, if you've been thinking about starting your own business with Stella & Dot, now it's such a great time to do it! :)

Which pieces are your favorite? Have you purchased any new accessories for fall yet? I'd love to hear about them!

Thanks for reading, happy weekend!

XO




*Please note that I was not compensated for this post.

Manners Monday: 10 Gentle Reminders

Happy Canada Day to my Canadian friends!  I'm wearing red & white today and celebrating with you in spirit. :) Happy Monday to everyone else.

While most of our Manners Monday posts are very specific in topic, today's post is short and sweet including 10 Gentle Reminders on manners and what every classy woman should be mindful of. I did not create this list but thought it was worth sharing with you all. It was created by Kate Spade, Fashion Designer of ladylike, classic women's apparel and accessories.

I hope you have a wonderful day!

XO

Fashion Friday: 5 Best Memorial Day Sales!

How are you all doing, is everyone ready for a relaxing long weekend? I know I am but I'll be working for most of it but I hope you have something fun planned to celebrate the unofficial start of the summer. This weekend is a time to reflect on the freedom we have living here in the U.S. because of the brave men and women all over the country who risk their lives daily. It also happens to be when a lot of really great sales take place if you're in a shopping kind of mood.

I thought for this Fashion Friday post, I'd share the best deals that I know about in case anyone is looking for just the right swimsuit, cute pair of sandals, maxi dress, new handbag or the perfect fitting pair of white jeans for summer. :)

Memorial Day Deals

1. Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale- Save up to 40% on clothes, shoes, bags and much more!
2. J. Crew- Up to $75 off your purchase, use code: SHOPNOW
3. Banana Republic- Save 35% off your entire purchase, use code: BRDIVEIN and free shipping on all orders over $50.
4. Piperlime- Up to 40% off all dresses & sandals!
5. Shoe Dazzle- 20% off full priced styles as well as up to 35% off all other shoes and handbags.


I plan to take advantage of these sales for a few items that I've had my eye on lately....

These Gucci 58mm oversized sunglasses at Nordstrom

This Banana Republic Glamour Link Bracelet

This Banana Republic Evan Convertible Leather Cross Body Bag in Cognac.

I have Monday off so hubby and I plan to either enjoy a picnic in the park nearby or head to the closest beach less than an hour away-the weather is supposed to be beautiful. What do you all have planned for this long weekend?

Thanks for reading and have a safe, happy and memorable Memorial Day Weekend!

XO

Fashion Friday: Spring Favorites from Asos

It's no secret that I prefer shopping for clothing online. No traffic, no parking lots to circle, no lines to stand in to try items on or to pay and of course it helps keep our gas budget down too when I'm not driving all over town trying to find some new staples for my wardrobe.

ASOS is no exception, I love this online retailer for many reasons, one big one being that they offer FREE shipping both ways and their return policy makes things a breeze if something isn't for you. They have a large selection of regular, petite, curve (plus size) and even maternity for women as well as accessories too and they have so many great styles at affordable prices. They show each item from multiple angles and even have a 10 second runway video of the model walking in each item so you get a much better idea of how an item hangs, how long it is and overall what you're ordering.

Come take a peek below at what some of my favorites are for Spring and also for you expecting mamas like myself, I have an additional collection of my personal maternity picks too because a gal has to look stylish and classy for Springtime-bump or not. :)

{Find it here}:   1. Blazer  // 2. Ruffle Tank  // 3. Red flowy skirt //  4. Black Dress 
  5. Bonjour Top  //  6. Green Pleated Skirt  //  7. White Dress  //  8. Feather Clutch 

{Find items here}:   9. Nude Blouse  //  10. Lace Dress  //  11. Navy & White Maxi    
12. Black Dress  //  13. Green Striped Top  //  14. Navy Striped Dress  
  15. Baroque Print Dress  //  16. Black Maxi Dress

Spring has so many wonderful options-bold prints, flowing skirts, the classic stripe, bright colors, ruffles, lace, satin and soft textures just to name a few.

I'd love to hear from you! Which are YOUR favorite ASOS styles shown above? What's on your list of items to add to your spring wardrobe?

Thanks for reading!

XO




*Please note that this is not a sponsored post nor was I was not compensated for writing this post about ASOS clothing, all opinions are my own.

Credits: All clothing images by ASOS, all text images belong to me. 

A-Thread Clothing Review & Giveaway!

A few weeks ago I was contacted by the generous A-Thread Women's Clothing company as they enjoyed my blog and wanted to see if I might like to review one of their items. Of course, I immediately clicked over to their website and started browsing their line. I was so impressed with their dresses and tops that when it came down to selecting an item, I had it narrowed down to four, two were really cute dresses. Everything is so pretty and affordable too! Right now they're offering 10% off everything for Classy Woman readers by entering the code: CLASSYWOMAN10 at checkout! Stick around until the end of the post, there's a pair of earrings available for one of you! :)

In the end I married practical and pretty by ordering this purple peasant top in size medium which I've already worn twice! Spring is all about fun prints and I especially like the color combinations and design of this top. I love that it can be worn with so many different bottoms I have in my wardrobe: white denim cuffed capris, red skinny jeans, purple skinnies, dark wash skinnies, white shorts and more. You can see the two different ways I wore this outfit, using the same handbag but different color and length of pants, shoes and accessories. (For the purpose of this post I took photos for both looks on the same day.) * I apologize for the somewhat dark photos, hubby took the pics in our front hallway on my pocket camera and it was a cloudy day. 

What I love most about this top is that even though it doesn't have the high price tag of 100% silk, it is delicate and lightweight just like silk. It's loose and airy which is perfect for hot, humid Florida summers when your clothes feel like they're stuck to you most of the time. ;)

My top arrived quickly and was beautifully packaged in hot pink tissue and pretty twine. As a fun addition, the kind folks at A-Thread sent me a pair of gold leaf and turquoise bead earrings also! I'm in love with this loose billowy top and want to share the a-thread love by giving a pair of these lovelies below away to one lucky reader! In case you're wondering, they're 1.5" in length total.

GIVEAWAY TIME!

***GIVEAWAY CLOSED***

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Must be a public follower of this blog via GFC (Google Friend Connect) via my sidebar.
2. Visit the a-thread website and tell me what item is catching your eye for Spring.
3. Follow The Classy Woman on Facebook 

That's it! Once you've done all 3 things listed above, leave your reply in a single comment below. Giveaway ends Feb.18, 2013 at 11pm EST and I'll announce the winner on Feb.19th. The winner will be selected randomly via Random.org to keep things fair. This Giveaway is open worldwide as I'll be shipping the item to you myself. ;)

A big thank you goes to A-Thread online clothing boutique for providing my lovely top to review and for giving me the opportunity to give away a pair of their earrings!

Thanks for reading & good luck!

XO

A Lady Knows What Fits and What Doesn't

Today's post was our Classy Tip of the Week on our Facebook page. It's a gentle reminder as we get ready for spring, a time when less layers are typically worn and the urge to wear fitted clothing and mini skirts emerge....

A lady knows that regardless of what is 'in fashion', she can never go wrong with wearing what truly fits her curves properly, has classic lines that flatter her body and won't shift while she's walking or sitting making her uncomfortable. Stay true to your own figure and you'll always feel confident! :)

Here's a previous post I wrote about How to Dress Classy on a Budget, including tips on what basic staples are essential in everyone's closet and wearing what fits your body type. If you're a new mom and struggling with what to wear so you look 'put together' while still being practical, you'll appreciate this post I created on How to Dress Classy as a New Mom.

Thanks for Reading! If you like what you read today, tweet it, pin it or share on Facebook with our new share tools right below this post!

XO

Fashion Friday: Wedding Dress Trends for 2013

As most of you know, I'm already married so today's post is not a nod toward a big day of white in my own future however I do love seeing all of the beautiful gowns available, the styles have changed so much over the past 6.5 years since I said "I DO". The dress shown above with the beautiful lace and exposed back is just lovely and represents what I would choose if I were to do it all over again today. :) The elegant lace is so romantic, I love how it loosely drapes over a fitted white underlay topped with the perfect amount of tulle and a pretty bow just underneath the beautiful back opening. The dress shown under the 'Keyhole Back' category below is another favorite.

As spring is just around the corner and many brides plan for spring and summer weddings, I thought today's post would be helpful for any brides-to-be out there looking for a little inspiration. Today I have the lovely Rebecca writing today's guest post.

Wedding Gown Trends for 2013

Wedding Gown Trends for 2013 If you plan to tie the knot in 2013, you have likely already begun your search for the perfect dress. When you don that special dress on your wedding day, you want to be sure the guests will be unable to turn their gaze away. You want to be the envy of your bridesmaids, and your groom should be the envy of all his mates when they see you walking down the aisle. For a little help in picking the perfect dress, take a look at these top trends for the year.

Peplum

The peplum flair made its way back into the fashion world with panache for the spring of 2012. In 2013, designers have incorporated this trend into wedding gowns for an array of figure-flattering looks. Proportion is key to the perfect peplum wedding dress. A particular fashion favourite is a fitted gown that flares just above the knee and features a cropped peplum waist. Taller brides may choose a similar design featuring a longer, asymmetrical peplum.

Lace

As in 2012, the brides of 2013 will be wearing lots of lace. From heavy brocades to gauzy lace overlays, this is one bridal statement unlikely to go away soon. The variety of options this year are unparalleled, and whatever your personal style, you are likely to find that the perfect dress comes with a healthy helping of lace.

Feathers

Designers such as Jason Wu have been incorporating feathers and feathery detail into his designs for a few years now. In 2013, many modish wedding gowns feature feather accents. Some brides will enjoy the cutting-edge look of feathers in the skirt of a gown while others may prefer a twist on a more classic style with feathers to accentuate the collar, neckline or sleeves. Feathered jackets or wraps are another way to incorporate this trend in bridal attire.

Splash of Color

Much like spot color on a black-and-white photo, splash color on a wedding dress provides additional interest and allure. Choose from ornate gowns with bold color in the train or delicately colored fabric roses and other accouterments. Most of the seasons splash color gowns feature long trains and wide skirts as well.

Keyhole Backs

For brides who are a bit flirtatious, the keyhole back offers a touch of fashionable fun. Wear your hair up or keep it short for your big day, and let your luscious skin peek through tailored openings across your back. These dresses generally feature sleeves and shape-hugging design, and many feature skirts that flair at or just above the knee. Whatever your personal style and regardless of your body type, the bridal fashions of 2013 are sure to contain the perfect dress for your special day. The assortment of peplum styles, lace accouterments and other design elements now available ensure that any bride has the option of looking her best in a fashionable wedding gown. These fashions are certain to steal the show, so you can rest assured your beautiful bridesmaids won’t be upstaging you.


Author Bio: Rebecca is a fashion student who has aspirations to design her own wedding gown collection and run her own specialist wedding boutique, she also works for Samara James helping people find the perfect diamond engagement ring for their loved ones. You might want to consider hiring a fashion Stylist to get your outfit right for any occasion.


Thanks for Reading & Happy Friday!

XO





*images selected by me to represent the 2013 wedding trends. sources: (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6).

Valentine's Day Gift Guide: Hints for Him

1. Kate Spade Dress (worn by Taylor Swift! Also available in pink/coral)

 2. Godiva Chocolates  //  3. Steve Madden Nude Pumps   

4.  Stila Lip Gloss Trio  //  5. Tory Burch Croc Embossed Robinson Tote  

6. Kate Spade Earrings  

7. Diptyque High Quality Candle  //  8. Paris in Color Book

If you're anything like me, when my sweetie asks me to give him gift ideas of things I'd like or that I need, I seem to draw a blank on the spot. This year I'm a bit more prepared, I found a lovely assortment of items that I simply adore, some will be within his 'student' budget at the moment and some will not, but I thought it would be fun to share my favorites with all of you. Perhaps these will inspire your own Valentine's Day wish list so this year you can be prepared when asked what lovelies you fancy. If you don't have a Valentine or just like to pamper yourself with something extra special this time of year (I'm guilty of it), you can never go wrong with a new pair of pumps!

This list covers the bases for all things lovely: elegant and classic striped party dress, a dreamy scented candle, decadent sweet treats, an investment handbag that I can wear for the next 7 months and years to come, cute nude bow pumps which are perfect for spring and summer, a little sparkle for my ears, colorful lip therapy and a beautiful coffee table book that will transport me back to the city of love, where we got engaged. :)

Speaking of Valentine's Day, the randomly selected winner of our Datevitation Giveaway is Jennifer Alice Duran! Congratulations and I'll be in touch soon with your instructions to create your very own love coupon book so it will be mailed to you before Feb.14th.

Now it's your turn, which gift of the 8 above would you be delighted to open up on Valentine's Day?

Thanks for reading!

XO




*Please note: I am not compensated for writing this post, all opinions are my own.

Fashion Friday: Huge Sale at Loft-Today Only!

So how are you doing? Looking forward to the weekend and glad it's Friday? I've got something to make your transition to the weekend even sweeter. I had a totally different Fashion Friday post planned for you today, however when I was reading through my inbox I noticed that Loft, one of my favorite stores for classic; timeless and trendy clothing, was having a massive sale and I knew I had to share it with all of you! What makes it so great is that they are offering (for today only) 50% OFF everything whether it's a new arrival item for Spring or a winter piece you've had your eye on for weeks.

So, if you're ready too add some colorful new spring pieces to your wardrobe or you just need a few more items to get you through winter, they've got everything you need. They've got 750 sale items marked down another 60% off as well. Loft offers everything from regular, petite, tall and also maternity for all you mamas-to-be. They also offer shoes, boots and accessories too. Don't miss out on this one! Click here to start shopping and be sure to use code: SHOP50 at checkout. 

Spring weather has already begun here in Florida so I thought I'd share some of my personal Loft favorites for Spring with you. Here are 9 pieces I'm loving right now! :)

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9

Last spring and summer we saw hints of the 80's inspired neon colors everywhere, the neon yellow is my favorite in small splashes. I am obsessed with quality blazers in every color and print, they pull together a top and jeans like nothing else! I'm still enjoying peplum and although I didn't embrace the color 'mint' last spring, it's starting to grow on me. I love my heels but flats are more practical most days, I practically live in them on the weekends. Don't you just love all the colored denim and printed denim available these days? I thought the polka dot pair were cute and I own the stretch skinnies shown in a blue-ish purple, poppy red and dark denim-they fit like a dream. Over the past few years I've grown my belt collection with a lot more patterns and colors. This year I'm looking to add a couple belts with the flower details, they're so flirty and fun!

What are YOUR favorites for spring? Now it's your turn to pick up some fun finds for spring. The sale ends tonight so don't miss out!


Thanks for reading & happy weekend!

XO