Winterize Your Wardrobe… Without a Heavy Coat

Style Note: great layers will winterize your look in minutes.

cape c/o  // leather top {sold out; LOVE this} // leggings //  bag // gloves // necklaces here & similar here // booties via

Easy does it when it comes to winter dressing in so Cal. It’s chilly enough to pull on layers, but generally still warm enough that you don’t always need a coat.

I don’t know about you, but when winter hits, I want to winterize my wardrobe even if the lovely so Cal weather isn’t quite cooperating.

So then, if you’re wondering how to winterize your look without wearing a coat, it’s really quite easy. It’s all about choosing great layers and fun pieces.

The cape is a fantastic piece, and though it’s a bit warmer than pulling on a sweater, I wouldn’t say it’s a full-blown coat! And I paired mine with a short sleeve top to keep the layering simple and not overly warm when the temps are only in the low 50s.

Leather {faux} is another great piece: chic AND warm. Here, I’m sporting leather x2… great faux leather leggings and gloves. And the gloves double as sleeves since I opted for a short sleeve top.

I do love me a great dress or skirt as well and you shouldn’t have to hide them away until spring, so you can easily add layers with those too… tights are the perfect winterizing piece!

My top 6 pieces to winterize a look are:
cape- sophisticate your look or go casual chic with this hot item! It’s perfect over a long sleeve blouse to really dress up your wardrobe or paired with a long sleeve tee or turtle neck to keep it cas.

faux fur: vest or stole- A stole especially can be worn alone over a pullover or added to a lighter coat or sweater for warmth and added interest to a look.

sleeveless sweater- a superb layering piece without bulk. Layers well under another vest or light coat/sweater. I love a sleeveless turtle neck!

chunky knit- perfect alone with a great pair of jeans.
leather- whether it be pants, a jacket, or gloves, stay chic and warm! And you can opt for faux or vegan.

blanket scarf- easily accessorizes and winterizes any outfit

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Rockstar Vibes

Style Note: Everyone has a ‘signature’ style. Even if you’re eclectic in your choices or dress by your moods, like I do, you do have an element of style that will be found in whatever choices of clothing you make… be true to it! 

vest {similar here} // denim {size 25} // skinny scarf // ring c/o // bag // heels

When it comes to dressing, I’m not a fit-in-one-box kind of girl… actually, I’m not sure I’m that in life either! 😉 Anyhow, I’d definitely classify my style as eclectic. Some days I feel a little classic chic, others it’s more laid back, and some days I’m feeling a grunge or rockstar vibe! But there’s always one element that’s true to my style no matter what pieces I put on. And that element is what keeps me feeling confident. And we all know confidence is your best accessory!

I seriously go back and forth and dress daily by my mood. This happened to be a day I was in LA needing to kick ass and felt my inner rockstar step up.

Whatever your style, be true to who you are. You can mix it up or keep to one particular look, but your signature style will always shine through. Mine? I’d have to say that I always incorporate something ‘classic’ either a sleek denim, a classic blazer or pump… there’s always a classic piece to my look.//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22columns%22%3A7%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22showBrand%22%3Afalse%2C%22showRetailer%22%3Afalse%2C%22showInfo%22%3Afalse%2C%22showPrice%22%3Afalse%2C%22showSalePrice%22%3Afalse%2C%22size%22%3A100%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid2529-25378273-21%22%2C%22productIds%22%3A%5B%5D%2C%22type%22%3A%7B%22name%22%3A%22Type%20of%20Widget%22%2C%22list%22%3A45715807%2C%22model%22%3A%22userlist%22%7D%7D

Playin’ with Texture and Prints

Style Note: The key to mixing prints? It’s pretty simple… by sticking to base colors you can mix virtually anything. Once you get the hang of it you can go bolder, but if you’re just starting to play with prints, you can’t go wrong by staying in the same color family.

blouse c/o // skirt c/o // similar jacket // necklace // rings c/o // crossbody // booties

I’m a huge fan of staple pieces that mix-and-match across a wardrobe, but I love adding interest to the basics; making them unique to each individual’s style.  

Take this skirt for instance. Just the bit of texture and fun, flirty cut take a staple black skirt and give it so much intrigue. It’s still perfect for the office, but stays true to my style. Adding the leather just boosts the ‘cool’ factor!

And I love playing with prints: floral and snakeskin, in this case. 

Here’s to amping up your week with some fun prints and textures!

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Compromising Between Summer and Fall

Style Note: Pops of color liven up darker palettes and create an oh-so chic outfit with ease.

sweater c/o Vera Wang {purchase here} // bralette // denim // rings c/o // bag {sold out, similar} // lace ups 

I’m beating a dead horse, but so Cal is so temperamental when it comes to it’s weather patterns. I’m fighting with myself to restrain from breaking out all the comfy clothes in 100 degree temps and sweating my a** off, and the desire to not want to don one. more. pair. of shorts this year!

I’ve teamed up, once again, with Vera Wang for a very easy transitional look… because let’s face it, it may never truly cool off here, so I’ll be wearing ‘transitional’ pieces well into December.

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Blush + Bells

blouse // denim flares // hat // bag via // rings c/o

Fall is finally here, and I’m breaking out one of my favorite fall styles: flares.

Flares are the perfect fall piece and look amazing on just about everyone. You don’t have to completely ditch the skinnies and cutoffs now that the weather’s cooling off, especially in sunny so. Cal, but opting for the ‘it’ denim that graced the fall 2015 runways is easy and trendy, and can be pulled off in several ways to give you the most wear out of this trend.

I’m loving blush for fall, so it only seemed right to pair one of my favorite tunics with the browns and create a soft palette for the cooler weather. I’m hoping this cooling-off trend is here to stay!

Style Note: By embracing the 70s vibe, go all out boho, or try a little mix and match, as I did here, giving your look a boho 70s feel with a modern twist. Of course, creating a balance with tailored clothing on the upper half of the body gives your look a modern vibe and complements a wide legged bottom; streamlining the overall look.

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Sweater Dresses: Lately Loving + My Top Picks

I’m crazy excited about fall… it’s my favorite season. The crisp air, the earlier dark nights, the leaves falling, and warm, cozy clothes… and sweater dresses are kind of my thing right now.

Because Cali is so fickle with it’s weather patterns, I’m continuing with the theme of transitional pieces. Today’s must-have pick is the sweater dress. They’re fantastic for moving from warmer to cooler weather {and back again}, can be layered up, dressed up and down, and super comfy, so I’ve put together a style board of some of my favorites…

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Style Note: These are amazing with the super hawt fall trend of way over-the-knee boots, but work well for the office too with a bootie or classic pump. Layer up with a scarf, sleeveless vest or let it be your only statement piece with minimal jewelry.

What about you? Loving the sweater dress? How are you rocking it this fall?

Fall-ing for a Shirt Dress- Client Style

One of my stunning clients and I started talking perfect pieces to transition her into the cooler weather, and because it can be pretty tricky here in so. Cal to get the right combination of clothing when the weather is constantly changing, versatile pieces are a must.

A must have is the shirt dress. This particular style by Vera Wang is the perfect example of a staple piece that can work well during this time of year and transitions from season to season as well. I love that it’s more fitted to define the waist with a slight a-line style to flatter. And it’s office appropriate or weekend fun!

Here’s another look at styling this outfit for a warmer fall day… and by playing with tones, this piece is versatile on all levels. The olive color is hot for fall, as well, and stuns with a bold lip; keeping the look classy, yet fresh.

 dress c/o  {buy here} // leggings // booties {similar}

Style Note: This is a staple piece that can be worked into your wardrobe several ways. Fall is all about creating layers without adding bulk. Avoid bulking up when layering by finding lightweight pieces. Layer this piece in one of two ways: pair with leggings {like we did here} for the perfect shirt dress combo or unbutton and layer over an outfit as a lightweight jacket. It’s also perfect for the office belted {shown above} with a bootie, or rock that boardroom meeting with sophisticated chic style in a classic pump.

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September Wedding

tank // skirt via // clutch // necklaces here and here // similar heels

So September isn’t really a great month for me. I try not to get too personal here, since this is a style blog after all, but I lost my dad 6 years ago September 12th, and my grandmother a week later. Fast forward several years and my uncle passed as well within the first 2 weeks of September, so death this month is something we’re all too familiar with. 

It was a nice change of pace when my cousin from my mom’s side married a few years ago, and now another cousin from my dad’s side married this month as well… in fact, both cousins married the same day! Just different years.

Wedding style, to me, is so personal. Yes, there’s etiquette, but you also have to wear what you feel confident in. I chose brights because I just always feel so happy when I’m wearing them. Because we’re on the cusp between the end of summer and the beginning of fall, this gorgeous orange was a definite; a popular color for this coming season and verging on neon {neons will be a big trend carrying over to fall}. I had some ideas in mind when I set out shopping, but when this skirt turned up I instantly fell in love and knew I had to have it. 

Style Note: Go neon for a sophisticated yet bold statement. Wearing neon can be tricky, but pairing it with a neutral like white or ivory keeps it fresh and modern. And mixing in another complimentary neon color gives you a style statement completely your own. This orange is popular and you can bet you’ll be seeing more of it this season, so give it your own twist to stand out from the crowd.
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Wow Factor – Bomber Love

jacket // tee // distressed ankle denim // heels {sold out, but LOVE these and similar here} // similar clutch // necklaces here and here 

Some days call for a simple jeans and tee look, but I’m never one to be ordinary, so this bomber paired with a hint of snakeskin adds interest and makes the outfit perfect fall transitional style.

This is truly my every day casual style… with the exception of sky high heels! Those aren’t always conducive to running after a 4 year old or chasing down styles in a showroom or client shop, but I can’t resist their awesomeness for a dinner with the fam or girl’s night.

ps… hey my lovely IT gals, if you’re receiving Haven Street’s StyleIT Insider newsletter, you should’ve received an update about this fall’s StyleME challenge with EARLY ACCESS! This season’s StyleME session will open to everyone on the 15th, but if you’re an IT gal, you’ll get a bonus… so become an IT gal today!

Style Note: When putting together a casual look, you can still look chic. This look focuses on wardrobe basic essentials. When looking for basics, there’s two keys: fit and the ‘wow’ factor. Everything has to fit well to look good. Even if the awesome factor is hallelujah amazing, if it doesn’t fit well, it won’t look good. Period. The awesome factor is really a matter of personal choice. If it’s visually appealing to you, fits in with your style goals, and you feel just, well, awesome in it, then you’ve got your ‘wow’ factor. It should be a confidence booster and something true to your sense of style.

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Fall Sneak Peek

Hey, loves! I’ve put together a quick sneak peek of the hottest fall picks you’ll want to try out… 

I said I’d only be giving you 5, but you get 6 of my favorites and a sneak look at several others. If you’re interested in finding out what else is trending and what staples you’ll want to add, join me for the next edition of StyleME. Sign up as a Haven StyleIT Insider and you’ll be first to hear when the doors to the StyleME session open, plus get a few more picks and tips!

Doors open soon and only StyleIT Insiders get early access, so don’t miss out.

lush longline vest blazer {similar here} // DIY denim 

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