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Fashion

Peek of Chic: Stylish Meets Elegant

So In my quest for the perfect outfit on my wedding day,  I had to find a pair of “wow” earrings right?  My dress is very simple and off the shoulder, hence I’ve decided to wear some large scale dangling earrings to work with my hair styled upward.  After many unsuccessful trips to other stores,  I just couldn’t find the creative, yet elegant look I wanted.   So…this Cincinnista popped in to Peek of Chic on Hyde Park Square.

I found several beautiful options and settled on a tiered long set of mother of pearls encrusted in gold and black crystals:  quite the statement.  I can even wear them after the wedding!  Imagine that?:)

Peek of Chic has been a destination jewelry and accessory store in Hyde Park Square for over 3 1/2 years and been around even longer.  Founded by  Kerry Mock,  the store focuses on women who want higher end, unique jewelry and home accessories with a flair.  They even now carry amazing shoes!  Check them out during your next trip to the square….I’m certainly glad I did!

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The winner! Love these dangling most of pearl earrings with crystal accents.

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My Love/ Hate Relationship with Glasses

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Loving this funky yet functional Miu Miu glasses I bought at Lense Crafters.

Well,  as few people know, I decided to embark on Lasik surgery this February, in hopes that I could simply sit down for dinner with my fiancee, Tom or go to a nice event without pulling out the glasses.

The truth is,  my vision starting going downhill I think the day I turned 43 in terms of my reading…so my first step was basic readers.  Of course, as a designer, I wanted them to be hip so I searched hard for my first pair and skipped the cheapies at the drug store.  Then I discovered progressive bifocals.  I was so sick of taking those damn readers on and off that a salesperson in an eyeglass store convinced me of the advantage of this style.  I mean it could be cool the keep the glasses on all day at work right?  Clear lenses on top and built in readers at top.  No blurry vision if I kept them on.  Perfect.  So I opted for two…yes,  way too expensive pairs with custom lenses.  Not to mention,  two pairs of sunglasses to follow.

The problem now was that my distance vision was getting worse, and after another round of new lenses and NEVER being able to take the glasses off,  I was at another crossroad.  This Cincinnista was wearing glasses simply too much so it was either contacts or Lasik.  I bit the bullet and did the surgery at the the Lasik Institute in Kenwood which was a great experience.  Albeit the procedure is a bit weird I must admit,  it was a quick recoup and almost instant results.

So here’s the kicker,  while Lasik does perfect your distance and general vision,  at my lovely age of 48 I still needed the readers…which Dr. Marino was very honest about.  After 3 months of cheap readers,  once again,  I couldn’t take it and went back out to purchase 2 more pairs of prescription progressive bifocals.  I know crazy, huh?  I couldn’t use my previous ones as my eyes had changed after the surgery and my old prescription was too strong.  Does any of this make sense?!  Ugh.

In any event,  as least now I can do out for a night on the town sans glasses while opting for a cool “smart” pair of functional glasses during the workday.  I do have to say,  this Cincinnista has certainly contributed to the optometry business here in Cincinnati this year!

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The Co-Op on Camargo!

Well here’s to another great Cincinnista find!  The Co-Op on Camargo in downtown Madiera houses three independently owned womens’ boutiques in one great location.

You can find all your fashion needs under one roof.  Kennedy’s offers beautiful custom and vintage clothing and accessories. Bling Boutique, owned by Rachael Hamilton has fashion forward staple pieces as well as fabulous jewelry and accessories. JH Shoes,  owned by Jill Haney, offers fun, bold, styles that every Cincinnista will covet.

The Co-Op on Camargo is your one stop shop for high fashion and great style at irresistible prices!image1 image4image3image2

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Spring Showers bring in Hip Rainboots!

If you are a typical Cincinnista like me, you have kids playing “god knows what” sports in the rain.   While one day is perfect for sandals,  the next day can be a sloppy, outdoor mess.  That’s why I highly recommend that if you are going to be “stuck in the mud,”  why not splurge on a comfy, yet hip pair of rain boots?  I bought my pair of rock stud black Valentino rainboots over 2 years ago….and I have more than made my ROI.  Still a classic top seller,  they go with everything and look hip from messy fields and, yes, to a rainy, casual day of work.  Not into Valentino studs?  Check out the Burberry check and Gucci’s logo styles.  While summer flip fops are around the corner…you will be rocking these boots this spring and in to the fall!  NMX2RC3_ak 8335037_fpx.tif

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The Surge of the Espadrille!

Whether it’s strappy wedges or closed toed flats,  espadrilles are back in with a vengeance.  This completely occurred to me while shopping in Denver last week on vacation at the high end Cherry Creek Mall.  I was looking for comfy black flats and what did I fall in love with?  My first pair of Chanel shoes….black espadrilles with a black metallic fabric and, of course, the stitched Chanel logo in leather at the top….yes, I know, not the cheapest espadrille around.  However,  while later stuck on a long road trip back,  these shoes proved so comfy in addtion to being haute couture.   Perfect for a mild, casual, spring day. After that purchase,  I keep noticing them everywhere.  From less expensive teenage brands to Gucci, that straw woven base and fabric/leather upper is all the rage.  I just hope they don’t go out of style before I get my mileage out of my Chanels!IMG_7106Screen Shot 2016-04-13 at 4.09.36 PM Screen Shot 2016-04-12 at 9.31.42 AM

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Off the Shoulder: Back in Style

Remember that off the shoulder ruffled bridesmaid dress you wore in the 90’s?  The one you swore you’d never wear ago unless it was too a bridesmaid dress party?  Well,  that look is back ….kind of like those bell bottom jeans

 

So here a a couple reasons I like this look:

 

-It’s sexy, in a shoulder bearing way…especially is you don’t feel comfortable showing your cleavage.  My thoughts on cleavage?  If you’d got it, show it, but only appropriately in a classy “non-cougar” way.

 

-It’s flattering to your shape as it gives the illusion of broad shoulders even it you don’t have them.  Broad shoulders are slimming as it makes the rest of your body appear narrower.

 

-It’s can be forgiving.  Most of the off the shoulder tops and dresses are looser and flowing in fit….So If you are having a “fat day”   give yourself a pass to wear this sexy but comfortable look!

 

As I look for dresses on my big day,  I’m certainly keeping this look as an option!

 

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Love the clean lines a sexy back of this runway number by Milly. Also comes in black and oh so comfy!
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This periwinkle number by Ella Moss is flowing and versatile. Wear it to anything from a wedding to a night out. And it won’t break the bank!
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I just bought this 70’s looking tie top from Alice and Olivia. Love the graphic pattern and peep hole tie area, which allows for a bit of cleavage if you want it! The loose fit is comfy and flattering.
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Happy St. Patrick’s Day! My Obsession with Green…

Don’t ask me why,  but I used to hate the color green….perhaps it was all the green paint I used in my artist days painting golf courses (yeah,  that’s another story).  I obsessed about the various shades in trying to portray the perfect fairway or tree.

 

But no more!  With St. Patty’s tomorrow and Spring in full bloom….yes the tree’s are finally blooming….I’ve come to love Green.

 

It first hit me when I became obsessed with the emerald as a beautiful jewel stone….hence my engagement ring from my fiancee Tom.  Then, check out April’s cover of InStyle Magazine: Lupita Nyongo totally rocks in deep green cold shoulder knit dress!

 

Keep the green coming, because the grass and trees have just begun!

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Valentines Day Anyone? Check out Jewels by Jules Boutique!

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Owner, Julie Lyon, with her beautiful jewelry on display
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Yes, it’s my beautiful engagement ring. Absolutely love it!

FullSizeRender 9 IMG_6590 IMG_6588 So, many of your know that I recently got engaged to my amazing boyfriend (well now fiancee, Tom:).  We were looking for something beautiful yet fitting for both our second, and yes…last and forever marriage.  We decided on an emerald stone as it was different and we both love the color green!  Not an easy find when most newlyweds are looking for a diamond.  Hence, we turned to my experienced, long-time friend Julie Lyon, owner of Jewels by Jules diamond boutique in the heart of Montgomery.

 

Founded in 2011, Jewels by Jules specializes in everything from high end, sophisticated engagement rings to fun, affordable costume jewelry….with the caveat that everything is high quality, yet fairly priced.  While Julie didn’t have in stock at the time what we wanted,  her connections are tremendous and was able to bring in within days several beautiful emerald ring options.  The experience was both easy and fun!

 

And lastly, I cannot forget that Jewels by Jules Boutique was the recipient of the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce “Small Business of the Year 2015”  award.  Need I say more?  Have the man in your life check them out..especially with Valentines day around the corner!

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