How to: Transition into fall fashion

Transition into each fall gracefully

Alright, let’s face it. It’s getting colder, and it’s getting colder quick. While I love the ease of a t-shirt and shorts, I don’t want to freeze when waiting for an Uber. Therefore, it’s time to break out that fall fashion: those mid-weight jackets, slim pants, colorful scarves, long-sleeve shirts, and if you feel like it, boots. I love fall, why? It allows me to put on more clothes without suffering a heat-stroke, so I’m able to play with many different textures, colors, and weights, while still being warm enough to not be covered up in waterproof snow gear.

This power couple exudes confidence and coordination. I love how she is wearing much brighter reds, while he is more muted in maroon (bordeaux if we’re being fancy), and the contrast between her hint of red under the grey coat, while he has a grey ensemble hidden partly by a wine-colored coat. It looks classy, effortless and oh so amazing. THIS IS WHAT WE WANT TO ACHIEVE, PEOPLE.

So, then. How is it done? First, you must have the wardrobe. Echoing many of my past posts, invest in the basics. None of the pieces that this couple is wearing will be out of fashion any time soon. Plus, as I’ve said before, if you get good quality, solid basics, you can wear them in any fashion that you want. Take that bordeaux overcoat for example. Men, got a navy blue suit? Throw the overcoat over your shoulders: it works. Ladies, that bright red skirt? Wear it during the holidays in a vibrant manner, the spring to blend into the red tulip fields, the summer on vacation near the sea, fall to bring color to an outfit, and winter to remind others that spring is around the corner.

Second, you must have the confidence. Echoing the voice of many beauty pageant coaches *actually, what I assume they say*: shoulders back, chin up, back straight, and walk with a purpose!

With this combination of wardrobe and attitude, you’ll be a stunner, and transition into fall gracefully, such that no one notices–it’s that seamless.

Looking for those basics? Those great quality clothes? Score them for the prices you determine at dose.nyc! We will have our first sale of highly curated items very, very soon! Therefore, if your goal is to get the fashion you want and be able pay your rent in the same month, sign up on the website and be the first one to know of a sale!

**I am super excited about this first sale**

Photo credit to those super cameras at Vogue.

Fall Travel: What I wore

My travel essentials… slightly overexposed

So. Let’s get down to it. A very common question that is uttered by most people every day is: What should I wear? Now, when it comes to traveling, that question becomes oh so important. Why? Because you’re going to have to pack, and you’re going to have to wear what you pack, thus, you’ll have to like what you pack and be able to wear what you pack. Therefore, take it from a girl who just traveled–me!

What are my essentials, when it comes to clothes? KEEP IT SIMPLE.

• Collared shirts, jeans and a belt. I brought with me three collared shirts, two pairs of jeans and one belt. Collared shirts, even if they are wrinkled and worn, are still classy and chic if you don’t tuck them in to your jeans. When you tuck them in, you exude power and oh, by the way, it shows off your waist. 🙂
• BRING A JACKET. Although, I will say, Europe was abnormally cold for this time of year. Some nights on my way home, I was freezing to death thanks to cold rain, wind and a low temperature. Therefore, while in Vienna, I purchased a Loden wool coat, and I could not have been happier and cozier for the rest of my trip.
• *Oh, running shoes, you’re so not stylish, but you’re SO COMFORTABLE* Make sure you bring outrageously comfortable shoes. In the beginning, I sacrificed comfort for fashion, and ended up hobbling around. As soon as I could, I bought a pair of running shoes that I normally wear, and finally I could walk. Don’t hobble, take comfort over fashion (unless you’re going to fashion week).

How about those all important accessories? Bling bling everywhere? HAHA, NO.

• Bring a watch. I am very partial to my watches and I always wear one. I took a very classic watch that could be paired with anything, and could not have been happier. Sometimes, your phone may die (mine didn’t, but hear me out), and thus, you’ll rely on your watch to tell you the time.
• I love, love, love my little mini bag. It’s a trio bag with each compartment completely zipped for added security, and let’s just say, I couldn’t open it very well one handed, so it’s tough to get into. *take that, pickpockets!* It’s the perfect size for cash, cards, a phone, some receipts, a passport and more. Additionally, mine has the ability to come apart, so I technically have two clutches and one bag. Also, it’s very simple and doesn’t scream *look at me! look at me!*
• Finally, take Rhianna’s advice from way back when and get an umbrella. The rain followed me everywhere, and finally, after being soaked 50 times, I caved and bought one. Hoods can work in light rain, but during torrential downpours, break out the umbrella.

At the end of the day, travel is about having fun and creating great memories through amazing experiences. Make sure that you help those along by being comfortable. Uncomfortable clothes or accessories can make you remember a trip or occasion for most of the wrong reasons.

Interested in travel fashion like mine? Look no further than dose.nyc, where you can score all of the greatest designer fashion and accessories for the prices that you determine! Therefore, in my opinion, you’re shopping, you’re scoring, and you’re saving so you can go on that next trip in style!

Basics: The importance of shoes

Capture the heart with shoes

If you know me, there’s no denying it–I love shoes. People have rainy day funds; I have a shoe fund. When I decide to reorganize my shoes, you can find me exclaiming “I don’t need another pair of shoes! If I want another pair, talk me out of them!” But pretty soon, when those sales role around, and those beautiful soles are dangled in front of me… I find a “need” for them. I don’t have a ___ pair. I can wear these to ___. Oh they’re such a steal! They’ll become collectible! You name it, I’ve said it.

But what is it about shoes that make those luxurious ones so desirable?

1. They can make or break an outfit. (…pssst… like in the photo above!!!)
2. The smell… Especially if they’re made of high quality leather, which most high quality interiors are.
3. When people know fashion, prepare for, “Oh, those shoes are gorgeous! ____ (designer)’s are my favorite!”
4. Some are iconic–queue Manolo Hangisis (thanks, Carrie Bradshaw), the red soles (oh, Monsieur Louboutin), YSL’s Tribute sandals (Yves, you devil) and more.
5. If you gain/lose a few pounds, they’re still your best friends. What more is there to say?

Shoes are an important, if not the most important part of an outfit. My grandmother always reminded me that you can tell a lot about a person from their shoes, and I’ve found that to be incredibly true. Additionally, great shoes can be comfortable and they can last forever if you take care of them, so I advise you to invest. Men take an interest in shoes, especially heels–they enhance and lift the butt (hello, non-surgical Brazillian butt lift). Women take an interest in shoes as well, a man in great shoes–phew! I’ll let you take me to dinner!

Tip: When you buy great shoes, take care of them. Store them in their shoe bags. Men, get a nice pair of shoe trees to maintain shape. Immediately wipe salt off shoes during winter. Get them polished, it’s like a drink of water for your shoes, keep them hydrated!

Let’s look at this photo and see why it succeeds. The look is oh so simple because of minimal makeup and a high bun. That dress? Wow. So risqué, yet so classy. Just enough material to make the mind wander and fashionistas crave. Metal belt? One word: SHINY. The bag? Drool. Shoes? Pointed toe perfection. The best part? Even though the shoes are bright metallic red, the shoes blend into the look. For this look, you can thank the creative director of Dior, Raf Simons, a Belgian fashion genius who blends old Dior with modern day. (Since Raf joined Dior, Dior has become the go-to fashion house for my tastes)

Tip: Heels (especially stilettos) can be uncomfortable after a while, take a pair of flats in your bag.

Want to score a pair of great shoes for a great price? Or perhaps want to recreate this look? Look no further than Dose.nyc! Our members-only flash sales are sure to impress your wallet, and it’s free to sign up. So sign up today, and don’t miss a great sale!

Photo source: Style.com

How to: Pick a great jacket

A great jacket can take you from day to night

When asking my man what he’d like me to write about, he responded, “[it’s like] you’re asking a construction worker who his favorite classical pianist is.” Safe to say, you’re not going to see him in a street style snap any time soon. A wardrobe staple of both mine and his is the jacket–whether it be a ski parka, blazer, suit jacket, raincoat, etc. So, how do you know when a jacket is just right? After all, a well-dressed man and/or woman is taken more seriously, usually treated better, and can feel more confident.

Let’s preface this with the versatility of the all-important jacket (for simplicity, let’s take a look at the suit jacket/blazer):

Men: A great blazer can make you look powerful at the office and outside the office. I love a man in a nice, tailored, and well-fit blazer, such as these gentlemen seen on the streets of Milan. It shows that the man cares and puts effort into his look. Also, as a little side note, just as heels and bags are “indicators” of a woman’s wealth/societal position, shoes and coats are the “indicators” for men. So I reiterate, a great blazer goes a long way. Men, convey your power!

Women: Just like the men, a well-fit blazer at work can make you look more powerful. In addition, that same blazer can be thrown over a t-shirt and paired with jeans and heels as the perfect, chic, night-out look. (Word to the wise–a pink cashmere blazer is versatile, but not that versatile, as I’ve learned).

So, what are the non-negotiables in a jacket? SHOULDERS AND FABRIC. Period.

Shoulders: The shoulder seams of a jacket should lay comfortably on your shoulders, meaning the tip of your shoulder should meet or be very close to the shoulder seam of the jacket. If you gain weight or lose weight, your shoulders will stay the same size. Therefore, please buy the right size the first time–you don’t want to be drowning in your jacket or have it so tight that you can’t move your arms. Trust me, no one will know if you bought a size 48 instead of a 46, but they will know if you bought a size 42 instead of a 48.

Fabric: Let me just tell it to you straight. If a jacket looks cheap, 99% of the time it is, and is usually given away by the fabric. Cheap fabric absorbs and holds sweat easily and has a weird sheen to it. Do yourself a favor and buy a jacket within your budget, but always get it tailored–tailoring makes a jacket look more expensive due to its “made to measure” appearance.

Tip: If you don’t want to invest in the jacket, invest in the tailoring of the jacket you do buy.

Looking for that perfect jacket? See if your favorite designer apparel pops up during Dose.nyc’s flash sales, where you determine the price! Sign up for free today, and start bringing power back to your wallet! Want to learn more, or have requests? Comment below!

Photo source: Harper’s Bazaar