Buy Now: Winter Sweaters

Sweaters are a must-have item that’ll successfully and fashionably transition your wardrobe from summer/spring to fall/winter. Regardless of where you live, there is room in your closet for sweaters. More than just being cozy, sweaters are classics that keep you looking chic when it starts to get a little bit chilly. For those who live in cold climates, sweaters are lifesavers and the right sweater can spell the difference in your look of the day. For us in the tropics, sweaters are still a worthy investment so that we won’t be caught off-guard during those blustery days.

I’ve scoured my favorite stores online, and curated this selection of must-have sweaters for the Fall/Winter 2015 season. Here are my top 10 picks:

Gucci Embroidered Sweater from LuisaViaRoma

You certainly won’t be a wallflower in this statement making sweater. If you’re looking for a sweater that’ll translate for fancier occasions, this Gucci stunner is your best bet.

Yeezy Cotton Sweater from MyTheresa

Looking to up your cool girl cred? Sport some Yeezy clothing. The utilitarian elevated basics that Kanye West designed will score you major points. Not to mention, it’s so easy to style and layer.

Marco di Vincenzo Striped Lurex Sweater from LuisaViaRoma

Since disco is back with a vengeance, glittery and clingy Lurex sweaters like this one from Marco di Vincenzo are back in vogue. This is definitely my pick for my next night-out. It’s sexy without showing too much skin.

Stella McCartney Wool Sweater from MyTheresa

Classic with a twist, this elegant sweater from Stella McCartney comes in such a lovely neutral tan color. It has just enough detail to make an impact (note the geometric hem and detailing), while being minimalist enough to be worn with a number of outfits.

Sonia Rykiel Striped Knit Sweater from TheOutnet

I just love the Parisian playful vibe that Rykiel brings to all her designs. This striped sweater is no exception. This sweater will certainly transition you seamlessly back to the warmer months too.

Autumn Cashmere Tennis Knitted Sweater from TheOutnet

The varsity/collegiate vibe of this sweater adds to its appeal and wearability. Pair it with leather pants for a more subversive take on the preppy trend, or opt to go with country club chic and pair with a pleated midi skirt.

Saint Laurent Leopard Mohair Blend Sweater from LuisaViaRoma

Leopard print is basically a neutral, or so they say. The black and white leopard print on this sweater qualifies it as a modern classic in my book. I can see myself rocking this all season long, from casual looks to evening ensembles.

McQ Alexander McQueen Sweater Dress from MyTheresa

A good sweater dress can answer your outfit woes. The color blocking on this McQueen piece is so edgy. Whether bare-legged or worn with tights, this sweater dress looks amazing.

Valentino Bow-Detailed Stretch-Wool Sweater from TheOutnet

You can count on Valentino to come out with a feminine and ladylike sweater to liven up your closet. The bow detail is a great way to punch up this classic piece.

Chloe Oversized Cashmere Sweater from TheOutnet

Play with proportions when you style this oversized cashmere sweater from Chloe. This is such a brilliant layering piece to give your fall/winter style a refresh.

Trend Report: Activewear Chic

Partly due to the resurgence and the resounding boom of the athletic/sporty style trend, activewear is increasingly taking the spotlight in the fashion industry. Gym clothes are now more stylish than ever, and it can actually pull double duty for you now, taking you from your workout to post-workout fetes or for laid-back weekend soirees. High-fashion designers are also getting into the activewear market with their own respective line of gym wear. There is now no excuse for you to take a break from looking chic, even when you’re breaking a sweat.

A significant addition to the plethora of stylish activewear options and brands is the upcoming collaboration that has fashion fans and Beyonce fans in a tizzy. Pop culture icon, style maven, and reigning queen of music Queen B, Beyonce announced recently that she will be coming out with an activewear line with high-street UK brand Topshop. Topshop has had a storied history of excellent collaborations with designers and style icons like Kate Moss and Christopher Kane. Her exciting collab with the brand will include clothing, shoes and accessories made for dance, sports, and fitness. She promises that her activewear line will integrate functionality and her signature streetwear vibe.

 

Image and News Source: Vogue UK

 Another noteworthy designer/celebrity collaboration that attests to the trending of fashionable activewear is Kate Hudson’s newest activewear line, Fabletics. A partnership with shopping site, Just Fab, Kate Hudson’s line actually has friendlier price points than other dominant brands in the activewear fashion industry. Combining fitness with fashion is Hudson’s end goal for her premiere collection. She also designed the pieces with a variety of body types in mind. Most pieces retail for under $100, and are fashion forward enough to wear outside the gym. Here are some looks from her collection:

Image from: Well and Good

The prestigious French fashion house Balmain has joined in on the activewear trend as well and of course, did a more luxurious and haute couture take on it. Leather sweatpants with tough biker details, sweatshirts in rich prints, and even tailored cotton sweatpants are all pieces that have been spotted on fashion industry insiders.

Balmain White Pinstriped Cotton Sweatshirt from Lyst.com

Balmain Leather Jogging Pants from Stylebop

Pierre Balmain Heather Grey XX Lounge Pants from SSense

Want more chic activewear pieces to incorporate into your daily looks? Here are some of my picks for sporty threads and athletic duds that’ll up your fashion cred and get you into this hot trend.

Nike Liberty Windrunner Jacket from LuisaViaRoma

Nike’s collaboration with design print company Liberty of London produced this upgraded take on the hoodie. The paisley print on this piece looks vintage inspired and when married with the athletic vibe of the hoodie makes for a fashion forward addition to your closet. Wear this beautiful hoodie over a white dress and with striped slip-ons for an easy look for a summer afternoon. You can even use this hoodie to layer underneath a blazer for a surprising element to your fall uniform of boyfriend blazer, dark denims and ankle boots. You can also try layering a blue printed scarf in a similar shade with this hoodie to add some downtown cool to a typically sporty item.

Fendi Creatures Hooded Shell Ski Jacket from Net-a-Porter

A part of Fendi’s Creatures collection this ski jacket debunks the thinking that winter style is bulky, unflattering, and the total polar opposite of chic. This fun and playful color blocked ski jacket will give your winter looks a punch of color. Perk up your all black looks with this piece, or you can even accent a pair of sleek black trousers with this athletic item.

Mover Stretch Jersey and Mesh Sports Bra from Net-a-Porter

The addition of mesh to this sports bra makes it trendier and adds a subtle hint of sexy. The mesh detail of this number takes this beyond the gym and makes it ideal for those night outs and parties. Quick styling tip, wear this sports bra with more feminine silhouettes to contrast with its modernity. Try this with a midi skirt with lots of volume, or even with tailored cigarette pants for a different take on cocktail dressing.

Adidas by Stella McCartney Mesh and Stretch Jersey Dress from The Outnet

This cute and flirty dress has the right amount of swing and flow to it. Adidas and Stella McCartney has had a long partnership way before the athletic trend exploded all over the scene, and you can always count on this design collab for athletic pieces that have feminine details that update the standard sporty silhouettes. Pair this dress with a statement necklace, loose hair waves, and some white wedges for a winsome look, ideal for weekend brunches and afternoon jaunts.

Y-3 Oversized Cotton T-Shirt from MyTheresa

This cotton T-shirts have athletic varsity stripes that take it from basic to trendy. You can wear this design with everything, if you want to lend it a more casual, sporty vibe. Wear it with printed skater skirts or denim cutoffs, it’ll look chic every single time.

Nike Roshe Run Print Sneakers from MyTheresa

Sneakers are not just for running anymore, just take a look at any street style blog and you’ll see just how white hot this sneaker trend is. Worn with everything from sequined dress to LBDs, from tailored suits to floral rompers, sneakers are newest must-have footwear that are equal parts stylish, comfy, and versatile. These pair of Roshe Run sneakers have a black and white print that have a modern pop of neon. The streamlined design makes it easy to wear and incorporate into different looks.

Do you love this trend as much as I do? Sound off below for your stylish athletic picks!

Buy Now: Statement Making Fashion

With so many sales, both in-store and online, shopping can be overwhelming sometimes. No need to worry, cause I’m here to round up the best fashion buys of the moment. Take your thoughts away from the sad sale racks full to the brim with outdated fashion, and take a look at these statement-making closet must-haves with pared down prices. These are not just basic fashion staples, these are the pieces that will get you noticed in a crowd and establish you as the most stylish one in the room. This is sale fashion like you’ve never seen before–chic, confident, sassy, and fearless.

Caution: Major Fashion Statements Ahead. Here is the SWK sale style guide of the 10 best statement-making fashion buys:

Chloe Neoprene and Leather Flats from LuisaViaRoma

Heels will always have a special place in a fashionista’s heart, but this season flats are taking centerstage. It’s all about statement flats right now, and you can’t do better than this pair from Chloe. The mix of the metallic, nude, and pop of coral on the sole is modern, unexpected, and so very chic.

Giuseppe Zanotti Leather Gold Leaf Sandals from LuisaViaRoma

The beautifully intricate gold leaf design on these Zanotti stilettos is reason enough to snap up these babies. A design that like this one is something you fall in love with and cherish forever. These heels will immediately make you look dressed to the nines as soon as you slip them on.

 

Marc by Marc Jacobs Super Skinny Polka Dot Jeans from LuisaViaRoma

Printed jeans are a nice alternative to your plain blue denim. These polka dot jeans from Marc by Marc Jacobs will refresh your casual clothes closet. Wear with a dressier shoe like ankle strap nude heels for a stylish contrast.

Mary Katrantzou Graphic Shoe Printed Silk Dress from LuisaViaRoma

Can you really go wrong with a Mary Katrantzou printed dress? Hmm.. Not really. The queen of graphic prints consistently hits the nail right on the head when it comes to prints and dress silhouettes you want to wear.

T by Alexander Wang Pleated Neoprene Mini Dress from The Outnet

Neoprene is one of the big trends this summer. This material, typically used in scuba gear gives any piece a futuristic yet elegantly contemporary feel. This pleated neoprene dress by Alexander Wang has a flattering drape and flow that will work with various body types.

Roland Mouret Ludlow Stretch Woven Trench Coat from The Outnet

Deviate a little bit from the classic trench with this Roland Mouret stunner. The white contrast lapel and the more body conscious design updates your trench, and injects it with a bit of allure and sensuality.

Equipment Cotton and Cashmere Blend Sweater from The Outnet

Cashmere sweaters are fall/winter staple, that you should never hesitate to stock up on. These luxurious yet casual pieces are amazing when paired with a pencil skirt, and can just as easily pull together a casual denim look. The color blocking on this Equipment sweater, just makes this lush piece more covetable.

Proenza Schouler PS1 Leather Clutch from MyTheresa

Mini bags are having their day in the sun. PS1 clutches or cross body bags are a good option, and it comes in so many prints, colors and textures to choose from. This geometric pattern on this PS1 clutch can go easily from day to night.

Emilio Pucci Crystal Bead Embellished Drop Earrings from MyTheresa

Jewelry will always be statement makers in your wardrobe. Colorful and shiny bling is always bound to get you noticed, in the right way of course. This Emilio Pucci drop earrings have a little bit of Art Deco design inspiration, and a little bit of Renaissance color inspiration too, making for a truly exquisite piece of artistry.

Stella McCartney Metallic Jacquard Bomber Jacket from MyTheresa

Without fail, snakeskin always ups the sexiness and chicness of a look. A snakeskin print on metallic jacquard is a striking design element. But when it is combined with the boyish shape of a bomber jacket, you can truly see the innovation and creativity in its design. Perfect for your LBD or even with your denim cutoffs.

Which piece will you be snapping up? At these prices, I won’t be surprised if you (and I) grab more than one. Happy shopping!

Trend Report: The Jumpsuit

The runways have recently been filled with different incarnations of this hot 70s-inspired trend–the jumpsuit. Stylish celebs are fast fans of this trend too, both on and off the red carpet. This one-piece fashion wonder has been a fashion favorite for many years, not just for lovers of vintage clothing, but for lovers of great clothing that is versatile and chic.

Jumpsuits are an easy pick for an item that’ll improve your style in one shot. Plus it exudes such a unique mix of playfulness and glamour, that dresses or skirts just can’t duplicate.

 Image Source

(From L-R: Rihanna, Chrissy Teigen, Shailene Woodley)

Image Source

(From L-R: Catherine Malandrino, Pamella Roland, Nanette Lepore, Trina Turk)

The modernization of the 70s jumpsuit has been a long time coming, and it is a welcome style update. After all, what woman wouldn’t love a piece that you just slip into, and can go from day to night? Exactly. Jumpsuits are wardrobe work horses, it translates fashionably to various situations and it coordinates well with a wide array of accessories.

Here is a roundup of the Top 10 Jumpsuits that you should snag for yourself ASAP:

Barbara Casasola Viscose & Wool Blend Jumpsuit from LUISAVIAROMA

This jumpsuit from Barbara Casasola takes power dressing to a whole new level. The strong shoulders and impeccable tailoring make this a great wardrobe pick for that big meeting you’ve been preparing for.

Antonio Berardi Stretch Viscose Blend Cady Jumpsuit from LUISAVIAROMA

Needing a Lady Gaga inspired look? Then look no further than this Antonio Berardi Jumpsuit. The asymmetry of this piece is a statement in itself. The metallics and great construction sweeten the deal.

TIBI Color Block Silk Jumpsuit from The Outnet

The sherbet orange and coral hues in this TIBI Jumpsuit echo summer afternoons and breezy patio coffee dates. The relaxed fit and keyhole neck detail bring a new meaning to the term “casual glam.”

Thakoon Addition Checked Silk Jumpsuit from The Outnet

No need to accessorize when you’re sporting a striking piece like this checked jumpsuit from Thakoon Addition. Keep it simple, and just finish off the look with a pop of bright orange on your lips.

Halston Heritage One Shoulder Belted Crepe Jumpsuit from Net-a-Porter

This Halston Heritage Jumpsuit will withstand the test of time and passing trends for sure. The simple yet elegant belted silhouette can take you from dinner to a formal party.

Diane Von Furstenberg Shany Printed Silk Jumpsuit from Net-a-Porter

A jumpsuit with an earthy boho print, like this one from Diane Von Furstenberg, is always a good idea for summer dressing. Top off with delicate gold hoops and wooden bangles for a pool party ready look.

Stella McCartney Camelia Guipure Lace Jumpsuit from Net-a-Porter

Stella McCartney, the designer herself, is a huge fan of jumpsuits. This intricate lace jumpsuit is a testament of her love for the trend. Everything about this piece is perfection. It is something you purchase, and cherish forever. Deserving of a red carpet, this piece is a chic alternative to your standard ball gown.

Tamara Mellon Lace and Stretch Cotton Blend Jumpsuit from Net-a-Porter

This Tamara Mellon bares your decolletage in the chicest fashion. Sexy, but not at all trashy, the masculine cut of the jumpsuit is a great offset to the deep V neckline.

Emilio Pucci Printed Satin Jersey Jumpsuit from MyTheresa

Pucci prints are a vintage classic as well as a resort wear staple. Whether you’re on the French Riviera or a rooftop patio bar, this satin jumpsuit will never stop turning heads. Accessorize sparingly, and let the print do the talking.

Valentino Silk Jumpsuit from MyTheresa

All you need to complete this Valentino Silk Jumpsuit are a string of pearls and boyish brows like Audrey Hepburn’s. This jumpsuit also makes for a great summer wedding ensemble.

Which jumpsuit is your personal favorite? How will you style it? Let me know! Have a great week!