The Ivy List

My LOVER is FASHION!! Hey Lover! My goal is to help you step out of your fashion box and explore the universe of style in which you belong.

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2nd Panelled Wrap Detailed Leather Jacket

Purchase at www.asos.com

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I need a Vacation

My birthday is coming up and I want to go somewhere warm. My body is craving the heat and a sandy beach.  I just want to lay out and get a beautiful tan. As I am working on my body...as you can read on Don't Go Figure is one thing but but I have to get fashion ready also. I am literally looking for a birthday suit. So what do you all think...

Mara Hoffman Printed Bandeau Bikini. I love the colors and the cut of this piece. It gives a tribal look and I think it will go great with my skin color and natural hairstyle!

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Tis The Season!!

When Spring comes around, we are excited. The start of warm weather is around the corner, flowers began to bloom, and one of my favorites is that Spring is popular for weddings!! I love LOVE!! But it's that one moment that all women are excited about and that's the dress! Oh the dress...it sets the tone for the whole wedding. It is the focal point. Check out my favorite wedding dresses!!

Zuhair Murad Collection--Love this Collection

Galia Lahav....Just beautiful

Simple but elegant...Katie May Collection

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I love this scarf from apeacetreaty.com Yes it's a scarf with so many functions. As you can see it is perfect as a throw!!! Love it!!

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Fit to a Tee! A Tee is a versatile staple piece that one must have in their closet!! There were many that I was fascinated with but this have to be my favorite! The light fabric feels amazing to the touch! This is by Kain and can be purchased on www.net-a-porter.com

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I am in love with this shirt!! By Madewell! I can pair this up with my leather skinnies!!

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Subscription Boxes---It's like receiving a surprise birthday gift every month!

Subscription boxes are the new craze.  It is the perfect way to sample items that interest you. From beauty products, to food, and even lingerie. It also caters to your lifestyle...such as vegan or eco-friendly lovers! 

And to become a member is real simple and affordable! Once you sign up, in a few days your surprise is waiting for you.  I think that it is a great idea!  Just think about the excitement to come home to a new treat.... 

Here are some subscriptions that are worth your while!!

Conscious Box --- Now this is for my vegan enthusiast  or those who are interested in the lifestyle. They will introduce you to some of the top vegan products each month. From snacks to beauty products, this subscription will definitely clear your conscious!

For my Foodies!!! Check out the subscription Love with Food! Each month you can receive gourmet food at your doorstep. But this company are also givers. When you subscribe, Love with Food will donate a meal to a hungry child.

And for my jewelry lovers... you have to subscribe to Lucid Box! You will receive to pieces of jewelry every month. Jewelry is definitely a girls best friend.

Now this is only a few of many subscription boxes! Checkout Subscription Boxes for reviews because there are definitely some "jack-in the-boxes" out there. You don't want a trick each month but a TREAT!

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Beauty is Skin Deep!

Lately I have been wanting to venture off to beauty topics and what is new and hot in that category!! Because Beauty is very important to complete a fabulous look. Usually that is what someone would see once you walk in to the room. So it is very important to take care of ourselves, including our skin!!!

Skin is the largest organ, so don't you think it is important to take of it? Well I say yes to that!

Many companies are coming out with beauty products for our skin...But what is right for our skin type and what will help with any skin issues that we face....And don't forget about those who want to age gracefully!!

Well if you are like me and don't believe in plastic surgery then here are some products that are great for taking care of your skin.

Of course biotin is on the list. Another favorite is CoQ10. It helps with the elasticity.  Avocado oil is also another great natural product!

I don't have any experience with any BB products, but they are becoming quite popular. BB cream is known as the "the secret of Korean actresses" and is suppose to be behind the success of their porcelain-like skin! Well I guess people in the states have found out about this secret and now using it in their products.  What BB cream promotes is that it takes the place of serum, moisturizer, primer, foundation, and sunblock----WOW!! Well that can save us 100's of dollars a year. I can't wait to try it!!

What products do you use that work for your skin?

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Boot Action!!

I confess....Fall is my favorite season.  I love when the weather starts to peak...warm days and cool nights.  Layer layer layer is my trademark...time for me to wear my scarves, light jackets, hats, blazers, and of course BOOTS!!!! Boots are the supreme-o footwear for me. I know you gals are hot for stilettos but boots make my heart sing.

Some of my favorite for the season range in prices...and there is no set style as well. As you can see there is no method to my madness....just I like what I like.

Targe't(ok sorry Target)  has this flat lace up combat boot that I absolutely love and of course the price makes it better.

And then there is another flat boot I love... Vince Camuto Bolo flat boot.

Or what about on the high end of it all...these Over the Knee Bow Boots from Valentino!

And last but definitely not least, you have to purchase a bootie for the season. I am really feeling this bootie from Michael Kors. The buckles and snake-embossed leather screams "WOW"! Or the more simple look with python heel and zipper detail.

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Transform Your Look!

It is amazing to have discovered pieces that transform.  I know that we are all used to the reversible shirts or jackets. But now you are dealing with detachables and convertibles. And what a way to create different looks... This is perfect for the working woman who can go from the boardroom to a night on the town. I just love it!

This piece is from the collection of Yay by Alexandra Yushkova...A scarf that turns in to a long flowing vest. 

     This jacket from mackage.com allows you 3 looks. Short asymmetrical jacket with removable knit vest with fur collar.

You can even find accessories that transform

sucrenyc.com offers this brass and sterling silver necklace that can be worn at least 4,000 ways.

....What a great way to save money and look fly on several occasions.

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Solange has Style...

I'm excited to spot Solange in magazines now.  I am a fan of her style. It is edgy but tasteful!  We are both natural and she compliments it well.  I do look to her for inspiration of style.  

Let's break down her style...

She is the face for madewell.com (They have amazing stuff. Please click on link to shop or browse) and it represents comfortable, colorful, and cute! She is in to layering...It usually consist of button down, blazers, jeans. Her accessories make a statement on their own. Her red carpet gowns or after 5 dresses are usually colorful.  Solange is not afraid when it comes to her style. The way she mixes bold prints and colors, shows that she is a fashion risk taker!  

Ms. Solange has come a long way when it comes to style. Her natural beauty shines through and I can't wait to see what's next.

Do you feel that Solange Knowles is a future style icon in the making?

[fashionabstracted]

Designer: Mychael Knight

Photo: JamesAnthonyPhotos

Model: Daj

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How to find that diamond in the rough--Vintage 101 pt.2

Birth an eye for vintage....

It is important to examine garments for holes, stains, and discoloration. Look for underarm and collar stains. WARNING: Don't buy shiny or faded garments unless it is for a costume party. Look for high quality fabrics such as silk, linen, or cashmere. Buttons are another telltale sign of quality--brass or pearl buttons for example. Check for double-stitched hems, proper linings, flat seams, secure and straight stitching, and all closures work ie. zippers/button.

Of course New York  have some of the best vintage shopping. If you are ever there check out The Ivy List Favs!

http://newyorkvintage.com/

http://www.screamingmimis.com You have to go here just to see the window displays!

What Goes Around Comes Around on West Broadway

If you are in search for handbags--especially designer..check to see if all hardware is working. Make sure to ask for authenticity papers as well for the designer bags. Usually previous owners like to hold on to that info and will give it to the shop owner to prove authenticity.

For jewelry it is real simple. Check for missing stones. Also see if it has tarnished!

This Sherman AB necklace is an example of a costume piece that would be a great find. Many collectors pay top dollar. And this so happen to be signed by the late Mr.Sherman. Click on picture to shop!

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How to find that diamond in the rough--Vintage 101 pt.1

Vintage Boutiques, Consignment Shops, or Thrift Stores...no matter which one you choose, there will be something spectacular. Even though some are pricier than the others.. you have to choose what is best for you!

Vintage Boutiques-- have great quality condition clothing. Usually their prices are high. The pieces are usually from an earlier decade. If you are looking for that signature piece, then a vintage boutique is where it's at! It is highly possible that you will come across a mink stole for example.

Consignment Shops are for your newer items. You will go here to find styles that are trending for the season. And it is also a great place to go for extra money. So when it is time to purge your closet...choose pieces to bring in to your local consignment shop for extra cash!

Thrift Shops merchandise is donated. Patience is a must when shopping here. There is plenty of inventory to go through. You never know what treasures you can find!

Keep an eye open for certain pieces when shopping at one of the places above. Some examples of what to buy is leather, cashmere, trenchcoats, fur, tailored suits, cocktail/evening dresses, designer handbags, and costume jewelry.

Now you don't necessarily have to shop at these places for only designer labels. I read in InStyle that up until the mid-20th century, a lot of clothing was handmade by dressmakers who stitched their names in the garment or it had the name of the department stores. Now don't mark it off your list, I am just saying to not pass up quality pieces if it does not adorn the name Chanel or YSL!

P.S. I am on a womanhunt for all things Chanel!!HAHAHA

If you love Ralph Lauren, then it is very easy to find his pieces in consignment/thrift shops. I have found quality riding blazers that well go will with my camel riding boots...Guess how much?? $6

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What the future holds...

The world is your runway..... Whatever you want to do....whatever your dreams may be....live as though the world is watching. Like the world has filled the room waiting to see your new designs. Don't let any circumstances stop you from accomplishing your goals. My future is bright and when it is time to show you what I have in store, I hope that you will be just as excited as I am. Be prepared for my runway show coming soon....

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Fashion Rocks...Let's Rip It Up With Denim!

Let me just say that I love ripped denim....Whether it is a jacket, skirt, shorts, or jeans....It is Haute!!!  And it just so happen to be a big trend in the fall. That just makes me happy.  I love a trend that I "love"...Wait does that make sense?  Haha...but it makes me happy that I am in love with this trend because I won't look at it next year and think, "what was I thinking when I bought this" But I will say that ripped denim will be around for a while. It will transform in to different styles but it will be around.

What is also amazing about this style is that you can jazz it up. It doesn't have to always be rocker of grunge. But it can also be sophisticated and girly!!

DSquared2 fall line pairs lightly ripped denim with sophistication.  Giving it a 1950s feel! So depending on your mood and your comfortability --- you can decide how far you want to go with this style.  This can work with any level.

Some of my favorite ripped denim for the fall...

I love the vintage look. And the perfect place to find vintage ripped denim is on Etsy. One of my favs is this Matte Blacks Back Levi Denim Vest.  It is a man's vest but I think a women could rock it as well and look just as FLY!

Click picture to shop before it is gone!!

If you want a more subtle ripped look...then these Rag & Bone skinny jeans are perfect. It is ripped around the pockets and by the knee.

For the more edgy follow this link for the Americana Denim Jacket....I am so in love with this piece. Americana Denim Jacket  I wanted to post it but I had technical difficulties...Sorry!

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Printed Hot Pants---On my list....

I am in love with printed shorts!!! This is my obsession right now.  I want to fill my closet with as many fab prints as possible.  My fashion vision is underway as I think of all the combos that I can do with my printed shorts.  From my shoes to my tops and blazers--the list is long. You can do so much with patterns.....

Some of my favs......

  These are all Free People styles!