Get Fresh - Baby, It's Cold Outside.

For Her: Cardigans and Color.

More recently, I've received a few requests for advice on my favorite winter wear pieces.  Apparently my cold weather roots are coming in handy. :).  I'm big on comfy cardigans and cropped sweaters.  The weight of the extra material is guaranteed to keep you warm while, the cut of the cloth doesn't automatically make you think of your Granny's favorite sweater.  

Hint: dress up cardigans by adding a ruffled or bow tie top and a pair of slacks.  Dress it down with a men's v-neck or your favorite graphic tee. 

Urban Outfitters - BDG Striped Shawl Collar Cardigan

(available in: Tan and Grey)

$68.00 USD

Click HERE to view.

These options from UO are also appealing:

Cooperative Sailboat Sweater

BDG Colorblock Cardigan

PJ By Peter Jensen Dog Sweater 

(Would pair nicely with a white blazer and skinny jeans)

BDG Varsity Cardigan

Forever 21 - Adeline Sweater Cardigan

(note the multicolor trim on the pockets)

$24.80 USD

Click HERE to purchase.

  

Forever 21 - Long Multi Knit Cardigan

$24.80 USD

Click HERE to view.

 

Unbalanced Crop Knit - Beige

(features an asymmetric neck line and hem)

$68.00 USD

To view this knit top, click HERE.

In addition to winter wear, I've recently decided to fore-go my typical nude lip for brighter shades paired with all black pieces or light hued sweaters and jackets. The contrast has added another dimension to the look without overpowering. I'm all about versatility and receiving the most for your buck so, naturally, I took immediately to the pigments offered by M.A.C.  The purchase provides powder that can be used as lip, eye and cheek color.  To utilize it as a lip-stick I blend a bit of the powder with my favorite gloss or balm.  Check out my favorite shades below and visit:

 M.A.C. Cosmetics to purchase.

Fuschia Frost

$19.50 USD

(.15oz)

Magenta Madness

$19.50 USD

(.15 oz)

For Him: The Bomb Like...Tick, Tick.

I've been really into fitted sweatshirts as of late.  I think the pair well with winter staples such as bubble and fleece vests as well as scarves and hanging ear hats for gentlemen who find themselves in casual situations and more often than not, on the go.  I also have a slight obsession with watches so, needless to say the featured piece caught my eye.  The fact that I can buy it for my man and wear it myself, added a bit of twinkle to my eye. 

Browse. Buy. Wear. :).

The Hundreds - Johnny Crew Sweatshirt

$84.48 USD

Available at ASOS.

 

Vestal - Unisex SLA004 Grenade Green Stainless Steel Watch

(Available in: Army Green and Black)

$140.00 USD

Click HERE to purchase.

*UPDATE* Browsing www.amazon.com and found this watch for $49.90 (savings of 64%!)

View for the the Amazon price HERE.



'Tis The Season To Be...Fresh, Part I.

For Him: Shoe High...or Hi.

Now, there is good news (yay!) and bad news (boooo!).  Good news: I spotted these Fragment designed Nike Dunk Hi's and I loved them. Not only because Dunk's are one of MY favorite sneaks to rock but, because of the ode to my favorite color.  The purple and black/blue contrast make for an interesting combo that pops but, doesn't have too much flash.  My favorite part of this design may be something you've yet to notice:  The left shoe utilizes purple as its majority color with black serving as the secondary color. The right shoe bears the same...in reverse.  Both shoes are etched with the fragment logo on the heel.  Fragment has also designed the Air Zoom All Court Low's , which weren't my favorite but, to each their own.

Now, for the bad news:  These kicks will be releasing in extremely limited numbers as an overseas exclusive on December 18th, in Beijing and Tokyo with only limited number of pairs coming to the U.S. So, if you want them, now may be a time to create that ebay account, call in a favor, or book a flight to Beijing.  Shi?

(Above and Below: Fragment Nike Dunk Hi (Fragment Design)

Colors: Black/Purple

Also available in: Pink/Yellow and Navy/Red

Images courtesy of: www.nicekicks.com and www.kidulty.com

For Him: Cartier - The Gentleman's Sunglasses.

I love a man who can wear some shades.  That being said, I spotted the Vintage Cartier Sunglasses below and above (rocked by none other than Kanye West) and I did some investigating.  Turns out these puppies will run you about $1,100 USD so, if you have an extra stack, go ahead and try to find these limited specs.  However, there is still plenty of Cartier for those of us with smaller budgets.  Check out the pieces I've pulled below and get some for that special guy. :).

Vintage Cartier Sunglasses

$1,100 + USD

Limited Availability

(ABOVE AND BELOW)

Santos De Cartier Rimmed Sunglasses

Available in Platinum and Gold finish. Grey or purple polorized lenses.

$850.00 USD

Santos De Cartier Rimmed Sunglasses (Sport Collection)

Steel finish, composite grey lenses.

$490.00 USD

images courtesy of www.upscalehype.com and www.cartier.com



Dear Marilyn...

Recently peeped a piece on www.necolebitchie.com on Nicki Minaj and truthfully, I paid more attention to the sweater she rocked than to the words on the screen.  As a lover of old movie starlets, I had to know who made the awesome-ness that is this sweater.  I had to search no further than the brilliant

Betsey Johnson.

The sweater is a bit pricey but, its undeniably gorgeous and would work with a multitude of looks.  It shall be bought.

(Above and Below)

Betsey Johnson - Betsey Babe Tunic (STYLE IB55062)

$268.00 (USD)

*Note shipping is FREE on all online orders!

 

Photo credits: www.necolebitchie.com (Top); www.betseyjohnson.com (Middle and Bottom)

Fresh Friday...Beauty, Books, Boots...Oh, My!

For Her:  See and Hear.

I'm totally versatile when it comes to accessories because realistically, any piece can take a simple outfit and make it pop.  On a recent online wish-list excursion, I stumbled upon POParazzi .  The California brand launched by Amber Eunique, is chalk full of POP worthy pieces.  A few of the pairs are pretty spendy but, perfect accessories are worth every penny and the crystal detailing is top-notch.  I doubt studs will be falling out of any of these pieces.  I've decided my first purchase will include the Ms. Pac Man pair below. To find your favorites, check out the selection below and visit both the site and twitter page at:

http://www.ilovepoparazzi.com/ and POParazzi 

Ms. Pac Man Earrings

$45.00 USD

All Black Everything Earrings

$85.00 USD

Roadkill Earrings

$95.00 USD

Mohawk Feather Earrings

$40.00 USD

*NOTE: This product is currently not in-stock. It will be available again on: 11.30.2010

XXL Bamboo Earrings

Available in: Gold Fade, Fade to Black, Triple Threat, Gold, and Silver.

$200.00 USD

Snowflake Earrings

$30.00 USD

I made my first E.L.F. (Eyes, Lips, Face) purchase about a year ago when I bought not one, not two but a TWELVE piece brush set for a whopping $10.00. Needless to say, I was pleased with my purchase and with the amount of money left in my bank account.  This winter, E.L.F. has quite a few goodies for any and all lovers of makeup.  One of my favorites is their collection of Studio Matte Eyeshadow.  The shadows come in an array of colors and are designed to create a vibrant effect while reducing lines and smears.  At $3.00 (YES, THREE-DOLLARS!) each, you can afford to try it out.

*Side-Note: When you head to the E.L.F. Beauty Blog you'll also notice the 100 piece eyeshadow palate...for $10.00. Click away.

E.L.F. Studio Matte Eyeshadow in Pearl

$3.00 USD

E.L.F. Studio Matte Eyeshadow in Baked Berry

$3.00 USD

E.L.F. Studio Matte Eyeshadow in Smoke

$3.00 USD

For more E.L.F. Cosmetics check out their website at: www.eyeslipsface.com and follow them on Twitter @eyeslipsface

For Him: In a Gentleman's Shoes.

I love a man in boots, therefore, with Winter saying "What's Up!?!" I couldn't help but to profile the flyest of the fly. Timbs for the fellas.  Timberland recently released their Gore-Tex 7, 25th Anniversary pair of boot greatness.  Hand-crafted to perfection, the Gore-Tex 7 was originally released in 1985 and is made of 3H leather which is the thickest leather available. Priced at $190.00 USD, the Gore-Tex 7 continues to impress and outshine the competition.  Long live the Timb.

Available exclusively at David Z. flagship store in NYC and online at www.Davidz.com

*Shoe Shot Credit - @Sqmunro

The Internet has been buzzing with excitement over Enitan Bereola, II.  I must admit, I followed him on twitter and became enamored with his eloquent nature and overall gentlemanly persona.  He's articulate, he's educated, and he's REAL.  His unbiased look at the dying art of relationships is refreshing and his ability to tell the truth and make it applicable is a lost ability with regard to many of his self-help counter-parts *cough, cough* Steve Harvey *cough*. 

His book, (pictured below), 'Bereolaesque: The Contemporary Gentleman & Etiquette Book for the Urban Sophisticate' has launched him into the minds, and onto the coffee tables of many men and women alike.  

Pick up the book on Amazon.com and follow him on Twitter Bereolaesque



P.S. Just to wet your appetite for the launch of www.Chan-Lo.com, we had the opportunity to interview Mr. Bereolaesque himself.  Say hello to the first feature.  :).

'Bereolaesque: The Contemporary Gentleman & Etiquette Book for the Urban Sophisticate

Available on Amazon.com

$35.99 (Hardcover)

$24.29 (Paperback)

Happy Shopping!

Peace. Love. Fresh.

XoXo.

Chan.Lo.

Fresh Friday...Warm Wear.

For Him: Plaid Code.

A friend of mine had a birthday gathering this past weekend (shoutout to @JWillia83 ) and I happened to catch a whiff of some of his cologne.  Literally, myself, and most of my other girlfriends, stopped dead in our tracks and asked to smell the bottle in his possession.  Armani Code for Men Eau de Toilette is absolute BLISS for your sense of smell.  The sweet and musky aroma is perfect for warm nights by the fire or a romp in the frost bitten outdoors.  The prices are relatively reasonable and the line even carries deodorant, after shave balm and after shave lotion.  Ladies, do yourselves a favor and buy yourself the ladies version (Armani Code for Women Eau de Parfum) and cop a bottle for the man in your life.

Armani Code Eau de Toilette

1.0 oz - $37.50 USD

1.7 oz - $57.00 USD

2.5 oz - $70.00 USD

To purchase, visit:  www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com 

RocaWear and I have never really clicked, that is, until this fall.  When the line announced a complete re-haul of its previous image, I knew Jigga man must've commissioned nothing less than the best.  I moseyed on over to www.rocawear.com and peeped the latest.  While the women's line isn't really my cup of tea, I noted the brand shifting to a nice look for fall and winter 2010 with the men's collection.  I love the low key flannel look for men this fall, and paired with jeans and boots, pea coats or bubble vests, the look is comfortable and timeless.  Check out the looks I pulled below and hit up www.rocawear.com for more purchase worthy items.

 Victory Plaid Shirt

$78.00 USD

Chiefs Plaid Shirt

$74.99

SALE - $37.49 USD

For Her: Let It Snow...Or Not.

Where I'm from, Minnetonka Moccasin's are a necessity in the months leading up to and during the time of year when old man winter takes us all prisoner.  The boots, made of sheep skin, deerskin, padded insoles and high density rubber, are guaranteed to keep you warm and cool at the same time. 

While everyone may not live in the tundra that is Minneapolis, moccasin's can be made fashionable anywhere from the bright lights of Los Angeles to the streets of NYC.  Pairing any of the styles below with belted dresses, sweater dresses, and even skirts and off the shoulders sweaters would give a hip/boho feel to an otherwise ordinary fit.

Check out a few fashionable Minnetonka Moccasin ideas featured in Elle, Vogue, InStyle, and more by clicking HERE 

(Above and Below)

Women's Suede 5-Layer Fringe Boot

$97.95 USD

(Above and Below)

Women's Suede Woodstock Boot

Available in Tan, Brown, Dusty Brown and Black

$79.95 USD

Women's Suede Calf Hi 3-Layer Fringe Boot

Available in Brown, Black, and Grey

$89.95 USD

For more information or to find a licensed dealer in your area head to:

 www.moccasinsdirect.com or www.minnetonkamoccasin.com

The military-inspired trend is all over the racks this year and I noticed a key piece in the Express 2010 winter collection.  Express tackles a nice classic trench and adds flair with a tiered bottom, belt for a cinch at the waist, and accented shoulder epaulets for a flawless finish.

(Top and Below)

Tiered-Bottom Wool Trench Coat

Available in Camel, Green Brier (top), Ivory, Light Heather Gray, Navy, and Pitch Black

$198.00 USD



To shop online, sign up for coupons or to locate a store near you, head to www.express.com

Happy Shopping!

PEACE. LOVE. FRESH.

XoXo

Chan.Lo.