Another fall trend that has been making the rounds recently was borrowed from the boys: Menswear as Womenswear.

While blazers have become popular and mainstream, I know I am most comfortable when pairing them with something feminine — skinny jeans and heels, or a pretty floral dress. But this fall, those in the fashion know are pushing us to go all the way. Yes, blazers are still big, but so are tailored pants, vests, even brogues — the flat lace up shoe that has become totally grandpa chic. Seen here on Emma Watson in NYC:

The most popular way to rock the menswear look has been for formal occasions. All over the runways and red carpet we have seen women ditching their glittering gowns for something tailored and sharp — a tuxedo.  Always on the cutting edge, Kate Moss, Ashley Olsen, and Kirsten Dunst show that less skin and some great tailoring can be just as sexy as a cocktail dress!

Zoe Saldana also got in on the Tux trend, focusing on a tuxedo inspired top, instead of the more popular jacket:

I don’t know about you, but my calendar isn’t exactly crowded with Black Tie events.  So how could we try the trend with out going the super formal Tux route? Check out actress Malin Akerman at the Tommy Hilfiger Spring 2012 Fashion Show. In a menswear inspired sleek grey suit and sheer blouse, she looks polished, put together: a totally fresh look for fall!

Dying to try?? Me too! And luckily Trina Turk is all over this trend.  At Monkee’s Lake Norman this fall are these amazing tailored wide leg pants:

And a vest in the same rich material — wear together for something similar to Malin’s look, or wear with a bow blouse and jeans. Such an easy way to remix your wardrobe this season!

So what do you think?? Are you going to take a break from everything frilly and feminine this fall?

One of the Monkettes’ favorite parts of boutique shopping is that the clothing selection is smaller, and it becomes easier to find exactly what you’re looking for. Although we have some established favorite lines, we are always on the hunt for great newbies that will keep our inventory fresh, fashion forward, always in a variety of price points.

A new line this fall that we are thrilled to be carrying is Plastic Island. Launched in 2007, Plastic Island is well known for its edgy pieces with a European vibe, always hovering in an affordable price range. We love the unique attention to detail, and we’re not alone — Plastic Island has been featured in magazines like Elle, InStyle, and Lucky, as well as becoming a celebrity favorite!

We especially love this chic (faux) leather jacket! It is right on trend with all the leather we’ve been seeing, and the pretty blush color keeps the biker details feminine.

The main reason this jacket is a must have? Versatility! Here is how we would wear it:

To lunch or on the weekend pair it with a bow blouse in the same pretty color palette. Throw on your most comfortable boyfriend jeans and Tory Burch flats and you’re ready for the day!

If you think this jacket is perfect for day — wait till you see how good it looks for your night out! I know we all are tired of our denim jackets, boyfriend blazers, and cardigans…. enter, Plastic Island!  This jacket completely modernizes even this simplest of shift dresses. Then make sure to rock it out with the accessories — Isola booties, gold jewelry, bold mascara, and a touch of leopard. We are loving this look!

Plastic Island Jacket now available at Monkee’s of Lake Norman

Think the most wonderful time of the year is the Holidays? Think again! Any fashionista knows that the most wonderful, magical, exciting time of the year is…. Fashion Week!!

The Monkettes were thrilled to be participating in Charlotte Fashion Week this year. Here were 3 of our favorite looks that we styled, highlighting some of our favorite fall trends!

First up, the maxi skirt. Yes, these were big for summer, and if you haven’t dabbled yet – now is the time!! The longer hemline is less boho, and more lady like in this elegant blush color and pretty pleats. Paired with some faux fur, and your favorite ankle booties, you will be runway ready.

Next up — more faux fur! (Have you noticed a trend yet?) Now’s the time to put away your skinnies for a season, because this fall’s hot denim is a sassy boot cut. We love a wider leg to balance out the booty – and don’t forget your sky high wedges!

Last but not least, a very feminine dress from one of our favorite lines – Milly. In classic black and white knit, this dress is beautiful AND comfortable! Wear now to keep warm in the AC, or pair with black tights and our favorite footwear and wear later. The fierce leopard print bootie keeps this look young and edgy, love!

More recently we’ve been scoping out the pictures from Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York! So excited to see what’s coming for spring and summer (why is fashion always in fast forward?)  So let’s check out the Monkettes’ favorite designers!

Tory Burch had her first fashion week runway show ever, and was met with rave reviews. Always a master business woman, she coordinated the MBFW show with the opening of her massive new flagship store on Madison Ave, and everyone caught Tory fever — even Beyonce attended the grand opening!

But back to the clothes. One of my favorite looks was this print on print on print ensemble, right down to the shoes! Modern and fun, we can’t wait to wear these separates…. or all together!

Milly also explored bold colors and prints, with cheeky details like pops of color in the chic lining of her coats. We even love the backdrop — Do you think she’ll sell wallpaper? If so, we’re buying!

And we couldn’t resist… didn’t we say that head -to-toe red was going to be BIG? Look what came down the Milly runway – looks like Michelle agrees!

Last but not least, a personal favorite BCBG. Usually oozing urban sex appeal, BCBG’s collection was much more minimal — think 90′s. My favorite element was definitely the athletic styling, like pairing this color blocked dress with a sporty jacket. Suddenly a gorgeous silk dress is relaxed and cool without even trying!

So what do you think? Whose collection had you most excited, and what pieces are you dying to wear in 2012??

First and foremost, HAPPY LABOR DAY! Never really understood the meaning of the holiday, except that it meant a day off, and a tearful goodbye to summer.

But you know what? A girl can only sweat it out for a certain number of months, and the time has come for fall. Last week we talked about one of our favorite new footwear trends, and now let’s get into one of the most fun ways to explore a new season: Color!! If blush and champagne were the popular neutrals for spring and summer, than get ready to saturate your wardrobe with some richer tones this fall. In a fresh change from the regular drab colors of winter months, two of the hottest colors this season are mustard and red.

While a constant condiment on my hot dogs, mustard has never been my go to color choice for clothes. I feared it was a tricky color to pull of with my skin tone, and pair with other items – but designers couldn’t get enough of it for fall. When in doubt? Stick to a monochrome look, and pile on more mustard!!

Sometimes called “marigold”, mustard is a rich yellow that pairs surprisingly well with everything from denim, to your new leopard booties. Since a recent move to NYC, I’ve found some of the best ways to get ideas of how to wear runway trends is to turn to the streets. Fashion bloggers or just fashion enthusiasts, these women are all over one of the hot colors for fall… i can’t wait to try it!

Another huge color for fall is red.  This bold color is not new in its popularity, but more in how you wear it… as much as possible! Models strutted down the runway in everything from bold red outerwear, to complete head to toe red:

One of my favorite red looks came from Michael Kors… this monochromatic ensemble is so chic! Nothing like a fierce color to build a woman’s confidence.

Think us “real people” can’t pull it off? Think again! Head-to-toe red was one of the biggest trends at Paris Fashion week, and one of my blogger crushes Blair rocks her red on the streets of San Fran… go girl!

Want to add some red to your wardrobe?? Here are some of our favorite pieces in Monkee’s for Fall!

Tory Burch Simone Cardigan:

Lilly Pulitzer Shift Dress:

And my personal favorite from new line Francis!

So brighten up ladies, it’s going to be a beautiful fall!

With the first day of September this week, I think it is time we can officially be excited about fall. The heat may stay with us, but those summer dresses will not! Because with the changing of the leaves comes a change in trends, the Monkette’s favorite part of a new season!

For our fall wardrobes this year, we are going to start from the bottom and work our way up. Boots are always big for colder weather, as they are a sleek way to complete an outfit, and keep warm. In the past couple years we have seen a rise in popularity of the bootie, and this fall with a new detail: laces.  Part sporty, part lady-like, the lace up bootie was seen not only on the Louis Vuitton Fall 2011 Runways:

But also at Christian Dior:

Both fashion houses used textured leather and color-blocking to make their shoes pop. Our favorite version however, is the classic Channing Bootie from Kors by Michael Kors.

The gorgeous camel leather will match everything from denim, to mustard and cranberry – 2 of Fall’s hottest colors. And come on, we all have a weakness for a good wedge heel — it makes our legs look miles long, with out the discomfort of a stiletto! We predict the lace up booties will be so hot, you’ll think of them as fall’s espadrille…

So how to wear them? You know we always love looking to some of Hollywood’s A-listers for inspiration!

First up? Rachel Bilson. The starlet has a brand new TV show out this fall, but we’re more envious of her chic fall ensemble! Love the layering, and the booties paired with a slim cuffed jean:

And then there’s newly single Minka Kelly… who dropped Derek Jeter and has never looked better! Her booties are a lighter sand color, and match perfectly with her neutral color story:

One of my my favorite looks comes from Blair, an always fresh Blogger from California. She expertly layers colors, textures, and styles — a floaty summery dress with a chunky knit, and cropped suede jacket! Love.

And last but not least, don’t be afraid to pair this booties with some of your favorite frocks! NYC socialite Olivia Palermo plays up the classic mix of masculine and feminine with her favorite lace up booties, and sleek, sexy cocktail dresses! Lace up on the red carpet? Why not!

So what do you think? Are you as excited as we are to throw those flip flops in the back of the closet, and grab the hottest shoe for fall??

This past weekend I had an unfortunate MAY DAY situation while driving to visit one of my friends in Wilmington, NC. I was just cruising along, blasting Justin Bieber when all of the dials on my dashboard went to zero, the engine cut off, and the power steering went out…. not good.

Luckily I made it to the side of the road and soon found myself standing in the blazing heat, waiting and waiting for AAA to come to my rescue. When a tow truck finally pulled over 2 hours later, out stepped my white knight Leslie, tow truck driver to the stars.  He looked just like I expected — cut off nascar teeshirt, tube socks, and a serious pair of jean shorts. But just when I felt serious judgement coming on, I realized — Leslie and I actually looked pretty similar that blazing Saturday afternoon: Sunburnt, sweaty, and rockin jorts.

Which made me wonder… when, if ever, are jean shorts (jorts) a fashion ‘do’??

My immediate response would be - when they’re on women! Over the last decade, denim has made a name for itself in the fashion world. As designers have perfected jeans in the perfect washes, cuts, and styles, it makes sense that women would want a summer alternative.

Exhibit A: some of Hollywood’s hottest, rockin their jorts to the beach, with killer heels, and even the longer Bermuda style! Looking good Halle, Rachel, Leighton, and Vanessa!

And of course, here is the jean short queen Nicole Ritchie, who styles hers to look perefectly boho chic:

Love the look but are having a hard time finding the perfect pair? Here are 3 of my favorites! This pair is by DL1961, a denim line with a cult following for their signature no-sag stretch. Love the cuff and slight distressing — looks like you’ve worn them forever!

This pair by James Jeans has the most beatiful blue wash, and the cut off style that is so popular right now! A must have for your beach vacation, or 4th of July cook out:

And last but not least, the James Jeans bermuda style — for when you are looking to show a little less leg. The bermuda is also a classic style that you can dress up for dinner or a night on the town!

So while Leslie the tow truck driver might have taken too long to rescue me, and needed to use a little more deodorant, in the end I have to tip my hat for his fashion forward choice. Jean shorts –HOT,  a Monkee’s of Lake Norman must have for the summer!

I know that the inseams of jeans have been rising for a while, but to be honest, I’ve been a little timid to jump on the bandwagon. Because when people say “high rise“, I picture Kelly from Saved by the Bell:

And that is just not a look that I aspire to. Or would recommend to any one else. Ever.

That said, there are that is not the case anymore!! Plenty of style mavens have updated the high rise denim trend to keep it looking modern and fresh. When worn correctly, a longer inseam elongates your legs, and the flare balances us curvier woman. Verdict? A long and lean illusion that I am dying to try!

Jessica Alba is my favorite example, with a casual plaid shirt tied up to show her tiny waist. Paired with some killer platform heels and retro shades, and it’s total casual cool:

California girl Lauren Conrad dabbles with a high rise AND wide leg — we love how the statement belt and cropped leather jacket pulls it all together!

Mom jeans they are not! Katie Holmes styles her jeans to look less boho, more classic and chic:

Kim Kardashian has tried the trend with much success, the bigger flare and higher rise balancing out her curves perfectly (although we would probably keep that blouse buttoned up!):

So without further ado, we’d like you to meet HUMPHREY, our favorite new style from James Jeans:

With a higher rise, medium wash, and SUPER soft stretch, these have become an instant favorite! They give your legs a little room to breathe in the summer heat, and even give your butt a little lift (I swear!) A jean that will give me a reason to skip the morning work out? I’m hooked!

And a sneak peek at what’s coming soon… a even more daring high rise style to try for fall!! Joy from DL1961 denim is red hot right now, and we can’t wait to get our hands on her!

A darker wash helps out the slimming illusion, and is perfect for transitioning from day to night! Plus, as with all DL1961 denim we know that these bad boys won’t stretch out an inch!

And if the trend hasn’t sold you completely yet, think about it this way: You won’t have to worry about showing your crack. Ever again. And for that, we can all be thankful!

“What exactly goes on in that head of yours?”  I get that a lot, and not always in a good way.  But when it comes to fashion and clothes, the chaos that clouds my brain is a welcome excitement.

And nothing gets me as excited as a great dress. When I come across a special item, my mind immediately starts to flash through items in my closet at home; a fashion factorial of all the different possibilities.

Another part of the excitement is that a great dress usually means a special occasion. But sometimes dresses don’t get as much credit as they deserve for their versatility- Just like a great pair or dark jeans, a dress should be a blank canvas, ready to be transformed to the fun day you have planned, the people you’re seeing, or the mood you’re in.

For example, take the fabulous Celine Cascade dress by BCBG. With soft feminine ruffles, a conservative cut, and neutral blush hue this dress is an incredible asset for your closet. Seen here strutting down the S/S 2011 runway:

WOWZA, right?? It certainly looks fabulous on the model accessory free, and with sky-high neutral sandals. But like I said, this sort of fantastic item gets my wheels turning….

And I think — forget the runway, how perfect would this light, sweet dress be for a graduation garden party? Brunch with friends? Sightseeing on your chic summer getaway? You with me? You could wear this dress right now, with some gold gladiator sandals, a pretty summer scarf in similar blush tones, a raffia neutral tote and your favorite sunglasses:

OR, you could use the sweet nature of the dress to bring together all of your sexiest accessories: black banded stilettos, a leopard clutch, sleek black tuxedo jacket, and of course, bright red lipstick. (A Rachel Zoe rule of thumb: nothing creates outfit interest like contrast!) You will be sure turn heads at whatever sassy night out you have planned this summer!

Moral of the story? Keep an open mind! What appears to be a cocktail dress might be perfect for your daytime events, and what appears to be sweet might actually make the ultimate sexy ensemble! And last but not least, what appears to be an ethereal summer frock, might actually be your perfect transition piece for fall:

So let yourself go a little crazy — the possibilities of your favorite dress are endless!

[BCBG Celine Cascade dress available at Monkee's of Lake Norman, as well as Isola sandals, and James Icon tuxedo jacket featured.]

As I tried to make myself comfortable on the plane ride back from Boston this morning, I silently cursed myself for wearing jeans on the plane. Nothing is worse than being a little bit “puffy” from a weekend of big meals and mimosa’s, then trying to shove yourself back into your DL1961 skinny’s that usually hug you perfectly.

This got me thinking to a never ending debate among the Monkettes regarding the comfort level of our most essential article of clothing — underwear. More specifically, thongs vs. granny panties. Having been teased mercilessly in the locker room during years of soccer, I have always been a loud and proud granny panty supporter. There’s room to relax, sufficient material for your rear end… and then some.  I’m not kidding people, this are my dream panties:

Ok, so maybe I am kidding… a little.  But there are definitely times in a woman’s life to stand up for comfort, and say “Sorry world, today is a day for Panty lines.” Working out, for example. Or traveling. Or a glorious evening or sweats, Ben & Jerry’s, and Bravo.

But I know I could be totally alone in this bigger-is-better camp, and there are plenty of women who believe that less is more. That having excess fabric bunching up under a dress or showing when you sit down in jeans is neither necessary, nor attractive. Another reason I’ve heard from my sexier under-garmented friends is that you get used to it — one of my college teammates even swore by HankyPanky’s as her game day underwear of choice!

The Monkettes can agree on one thing — if you are in a must-wear-thong situation (think thin silky skirt, dress, or white pants) then Commando’s are the way to go! Thin and virtually seamless, these bad boys will blend in, and keep your posterior panty line-free!

So let us know on Facebook where you stand… the Granny panty party or Thongs for life?? It’s time to take a vote!!

How is it just June 2nd and SO HOT OUT?? It’s so hot I feel like my brain is fried. So hot that my TCBY melted on the way from the spoon to my mouth. So hot that all I want to do is have my toes in the water, butt in the sand…. you know the rest.

When the thermometer gets this high, I don’t know about you but I hate getting dressed. The heat makes it impossible to wear about 80% of what’s in my closet:  jeans? no way, too hot. Silky tops? too easy to sweat through. Fitted dresses and tanks? No way. Jose.

So all I can say is HALLELUIAH for the Maxi Dress trend!! Along with the longer hemlines comes a dress that leaves you feeling both cool and sophisticated. Yes, it’s more material but believe me, it feels almost as fabulous as wearing your pajamas. Bonus? Rachel Zoe swears by the floor grazing dresses, convinced that the streamlined silhouette makes anyone look longer and leaner! Still not sold?

These A-Listers swear by the maxi:

Blake Lively, styled to a T on the set of Gossip Girl:

Jennifer Garner shutting it down on the red carpet:

Kim Kardashian rocks her curves (and stays comfortable) while traveling in this Maxi:

Nicole Ritchie mixes her maxi with a leather jacket and her rocker husband… instant cool.

And of course, the biggest fan of Boho chic, my idol, the one and only Rachel Zoe:

So if you are looking to cool down from all of this heat, do as the fashion forward stars do, and add a maxi to your summer wardrobe! Here are 3 of our absolute favorites right now:

Trina Turk, printed to total perfection:

BCBG, right on the Nautical trend, and one of our best sellers this spring!

And for those of you who love the maxi look, but are more preppy than Boho – Lilly Pulitzer has designed this absolute KNOCKOUT of a dress:

So what do you think? Have you caught on to Maxi mania? You’ll thank us when you’re cool and collected watching a poor girl sweat it out in her jeans….