Greenwood Park Mall

Fellow Style Mavens!

Thinking of Valentine's Day and most of us would automatically think of gifts for the ladies, after all everyone knows that Diamonds are a girl's best friend.  But what about the men in our lives, don't they too deserve a little love and appreciation this Valentine's Day?  

Taking all this Valentine's Day inequality to heart, I decided to shop The Fashion Mall at Keystone to find an array of gifts perfect for gifting to the man in your life!

1.  Tumi Leather Cover for iPhone 5/5S.  This is such a great gift for the guy that doesn't have a wallet, or maybe crams too much into his wallet.  There is place to carry 2 or 3 cards, such as ID, Credit or ATM cards with his iPhone.  Plus black and white are the colors of spring for guys.  Other colors are available too.

2.  Tumi Monterey Sling.  Want your Baby's Daddy to carry the diaper bag? Then this is the gift for you! This black and white Alpha Bravo Collection piece was designed with the hip guy in mind. Perfect for a day about town, riding the bike to work or even carrying a few things for your new bub.

3.  Armani Jeans Men Ankle Boot in grey.  Popular for spring, grey is a neutral that will play well with everything your man already owns.  This ankle boot is just the right height for avoiding wet feet should there be an unavoidable puddle or two as we head toward spring rains.

4.  Armani Men's Sunglasses.  The perfect gift of Ultra Cool, help your guy step it up with these game-changing  aviator sunglasses.  Find these in a range of lens colors, reflector blue being my personal favorite.

5.  Bose Soundlink Mini Bluetooth Speaker.  Your man can bring his beats with him this summer, they will follow him with bluetooth technology!  Small but powerful, you'll be singing along too!

6.  Art of Shaving - Power Shave Kit.  This kit is perfect for the beginner or travel savvy guy.  It's an all inclusive set featuring the Badger Hair brush and travel size necessities.  Perfect for a Valentine's getaway!

7. Art of Shaving - Full Shave Kit Sandalwood.  This shave kit is semi customizable as your guy can choose the badger hair brush he'd like in this kit.  It's the number one best seller and includes full-size amenities, a great deal!

8.  Microsoft Store - Sony Action Cam with GPS and accessories.  What action hero doesn't want to capture it all on video?  This is the perfect gift for your would be James Bond.  A full range of add-on accessories is available along with GPS and wifi capability, just so your guy can send you all his action stunts in a second!

9.  Brooks Brothers - Rose Gold Knot Cufflink.  For the gentleman in your life, work or play, every man needs an elegant accessory for his tailored shirt cuffs.  Rose gold is the only color this spring, so treat him and maybe he'll treat you to a night on the town just so he can show off these sparklers!

Whew!  What a day I had shopping for the guys.  Hopefully this gets you off on the right foot ladies, so happy shopping!

Bisous Bisous,

Bronte xx

Fellow Style Mavens!

It's mid-winter and we're all feeling the chill.  These days are snowy and cold, but if we are well prepared, we can enjoy the rest of the season and get it all done in style!

Living in Indy we must be prepared for all types of weather, this week is an example of that as we head back to work facing the snowy roads and cold temperatures outside. We have no choice but to be out and about, so I'm sharing with you my 5 must-have items of the winter season. Whether you are headed to the office,  just out running errands or meeting up with friends at the mall, you'll be happy to have the essentials below.

1.  An oversized boyfriend jacket - This is the piece to cover-all and keep you warm when you're outside.  It's perfect for layering and it will fit comfortably over the top of your outfit.  Choosing a dark navy or black is a good choice as well as a grey for a more trendy option this season.

2.  Relaxed fit leather pants - Paired with a chick silk shirt or embellished tee you can still wear this winter staple to the office.  Since it's more tailored and somewhat more structured than the leather legging, it's perfect for adding some edge to your New Year's work wardrobe while keeping it corporate.

3.  A Structured Bag - This is the "it" bag of the season and choosing one in a pop color will brighten up a possibly drab or monochromatic dark wardrobe.  

4.  Stylish weatherproof boots - Stepping out into the snow and or slush, you'll be needing boots to keep you warm and dry.  Patent leather is both waterproof and adds a touch of sophistication to a staple that often seems utilitarian.  

5.  Warm accessories - I grouped these together as one essential item, you need them all!  As I have mentioned before a cashmere beanie is both warm and stylish and with the winter winds, it's a necessity to ward off frozen ears.  Add to this a fun pair of leather gloves (I love these from Burberry) and furry ear-muffs which are perfect for a day that you don't want to tackle hat-hair at the office.

Items from Left to Right:  Vegan Leather Slouch Pant; Free People// Fur Tech Ear Muff; BCBG// Topshop "Amelie" Slouchy Boyfriend Coat; Nordstrom// Heart print Calfskin Gloves; Burberry// Metallic Knit Beanie; Michael Kors// Patent Leather Ankle Boots; Armani Jeans.

Stay warm my friends and happy shopping!

Bisous Bisous

Bronte xx

Fellow Style Mavens!

Finally this week the snow is melting, the sun is peeking through the clouds and I can start to feel that spring is on the way!  The thought of shedding my outerwear layers made me think that this week's must-have item would be a Tunic Sweater.  Still warm enough with its long sleeves, but the kind that are soft and cosy and perfect for pushing or rolling up on a sunnier day. 

At this time of the year, we may not quite be ready to bare all and that's why the tunic sweater is perfect!  A little longer in the back that regular sweaters, it's flowing and bum covering and pairs well with leggings or jeans that we already have from fall/winter. As the weather gets warmer this sweater can still be worn with denim cut offs or cuffed jeans.

Find my favorites this week from The Fashion Mall at Keystone below:

From Left to Right:

From Gap, the Contrast Trim Tunic Sweater seen in poolside blue and beside in heather gray are both spring worthy colors.

The lightweight Merino Tunic Sweater from J. Crew lends a pop of color to any outfit and is warm enough to layer on a cooler spring day.

The black/white color combination is definitely sticking it out for spring, so the Megaschool Contrast Trim Cashmere Tunic Sweater in black/snowflake is a great buy and it will be classically chic now and again in the fall.

For those warmer days and into the summer, the Pins and Needles Pointelle Deep V Tunic Sweater from Urban Outfitters is perfectly feminine to dress up your favorite moto-boots and leather jacket.

Happy Shopping friends!

Bisous Bisous,

Bronte xx

Basic tee's don't get enough love. 

Sure, we all want to sport eye-catching tops and spectacular shirts. But let's be honest about what we want to wear nine times out of ten.

So don't neglect your basics. Sometimes understatement will make you stand out more than anything.

All of my favorite tee-shirts are from Urban Outfitters, like this BDG Triblend Colorblock Pocket Tee. Available in red & blue, blue & red, white & grey, and black & grey, it's the perfect shirt to wear on it's own or underneath any sweater or cardigan.

Same goes for the BDG Mocktwist Colorblock V-neck Tee from Urban Outfitters. Available in red & grey and blue & grey, BDG tees can't be beat when it comes to comfort. 

If long sleeves are more your style, consider the Slim Flagstone Long-Sleeve Contrast Pocket Tee from J. Crew. Available in heather onyx and heather grain, expect this to quickly become your go-to long sleeve tee.

A stylish baseball tee is the key to a happy life, so look no further than the Slim Flagstone Baseball Tee from J. Crew. The naval blue color pairs well with most outerwear and also looks just fine on it's own. 

Fellow Style Mavens,

With the insisting chilly temperatures I have been less than excited to get out and about, but with London Fashion Week coming to a close, I have new inspiration this week and desire to pull on more than my favorite sweats! While I feel that sometimes even the "Ready to wear" collections hitting the runways for the Autumn Winter 2014 shows are still somewhat too far reaching for outfits we actually might wear, I very much enjoy finding inspiration from the London street styles. 

I just love the glam/ relaxed feel of this look:

Photo Credit: Atlantic-Pacific

If you're loving it too, I put together a few items that you can find at The Fashion Mall at Keystone to complete your look.

Clockwise from top left:

This glamorous yet relaxed outfit has to be all about the statement coat; here I've highlighted the Diane Von Furstenburg Britt Leopard woven coat from Saks. 

The U/R Fleece tech beanie from Nordstrom is stylish yet music savvy, why not keep your ears warm and with tunes all at the same time?

These "Jayna" sunglasses from Kate Spade New York will see you through to the warmer months, the shape is so on-trend for now.

It's also important to build your outfit under the statement coat, so when you're inside you can rock the relaxed vibe. Look to longer blazers this spring such as this Joie "Neville" blazer from Nordstrom.

and keep your legs toasty on cooler spring days with leather leggings such as the "Kalin" Motorcycle legging from BCBG.

Sperry Topsider launched the more modern style "Cloud Logo CVO" sneaker which is perfect for this look and paired with the Michael Kors tote bag, you can spend a day on your feet shopping and never skip a beat.

Finally you can add a pop of pastel pink, one of the "it" colors for spring with this "Shrunken boy-fit Geo Dot Pullover shirt" from C Wonder Store. Let collar points show and the tabs of the shirt fall out from under the sweater and you'll have completed the glam/relaxed vibe with London cool, just like you were sitting from row at one of the shows!

Happy shopping my friends!

Bisou Bisous 

Bronte xx

Fellow Style Mavens!

This week we celebrated Chinese New Year and 2014 will be the year of the wooden horse.  My Asian heritage has allowed me to experience and take part in the ancient traditions coming from China, so during the lunar New Year celebrations people wear red, decorate the house with poems written on red paper and give children "lucky money" in red envelopes.  I used to love receiving those little red envelopes, they were always beautifully decorated with gold symbols, designs and Chinese characters.

I've been seeing many equine inspired pieces at The Fashion Mall Keystone and I was especially drawn to the bracelets and bangles shown below from C Wonder Store that's located in the new luxury wing of the mall. Keeping in mind that the color red symbolizes fire, which according to legend can drive away bad luck, I'll also be on the hunt for a standout red piece such as a jacket, gloves or bag to see me through 2014 with good fortune!

Top Bangle:  C Wonder Equestrian Scarf Print Bangle 

Bottom Bracelet:  C Wonder Horse Chain Bracelet

Happy Chinese New Year and Happy Shopping my friends!

Bisous Bisous,

Bronte xx

Fellow Style Mavens!

It's the "New Year" and while we are all about our resolutions and starting fresh for the year ahead, have we passed a thought to our guys?  Men reading this, yes, this blog post is just for you!

I have been out shopping the winter sales and finding some great pieces from the season, so I wanted to highlight a few easy tweaks that the guys could make to update their looks while incorporating pieces that they may already own.  Whether it be working out, hanging out or taking the ladies out on date night; The Fashion Mall at Keystone has all these styles that will update and also transition the guys forward into spring!

On Nick, right:  In keeping up with those fitness resolutions, I wanted to highlight Lulu Lemon as I feel that many times we forget how great the men's apparel is in this store.  One of my favorites is this lightly-lined "Sea Wall track pant" which helps keep muscles warm when working out in cooler temperatures if you're outside for a hike or when you're leaving the gym.  The relaxed fit can slip over compression layers or bike shorts and is a comfortable basic for lounging at home or the country cabin. The "basic work-out tee" shown here is available in several colors, though I loved the bright blue for a touch of spring flair and it has actual silver fibers blended into the fabric which helps wick away sweat and prevents bacteria. Finally, the "Post Gravity jacket" shown in the camouflage pattern, updates boring work-out wear keeping it trendy and fun.  Who wouldn't want to get to the gym in this outfit!

On Imad, center: This weekend look is styled from Banana Republic.  I just love the lightweight wool "Kentfield" pant as it is available in many color and fabric variations, of note is the lighter wool for wear into spring. Guys can pair this pant with one of the BR "no-iron shirts", which comes in three fits and seemingly endless colors and patterns. The half-zip pullover pictured has such a soft feel and added a pop of color for an effortless weekend look. Adding this lighter colored, water-resistant jacket will keep you dry and warm through the spring rains. This is a great look for casual weekend wear or to update your tired office wardrobe.

On Patrick, left: This date-night style is from Saks Fifth Avenue and it's all about the blazer for me. The velvet blazer by Armani is available in 3 delicious colors navy, black and burgundy. The navy one shown here dresses well with tailored denim such as the slim-cut J Brand jeans shown in a charcoal gray wash. Keeping the shirt a basic white and adding a subtly patterned pocket square keeps the look classic and approachable while allowing the blazer be the stand out piece. As the weather warms, try cuffing the jeans and pair with a suede loafer like these from Del Toro.  

It's a new year, so let's get a few pieces to update your wardrobe or your Man's wardrobe at The Fashion Mall at Keystone!

Check out my spot on Fox 59 morning show and happy shopping friends!

http://fox59.com/2014/01/13/helping-your-guy-avoid-a-fashion-fail/#tvI4JXkeShy0RJ1o.03

Bisous Bisous,

Bronte xx

Fellow Style Mavens!

Despite the lingering chill, we all know that spring is around the corner and when it finally arrives to Indiana and we can peel back our outer coat layers, the color that you'll want to show off is blush pink. 

I have an unhealthy infatuation with this color at the moment and it seems I'm not the only one, it was featured in many of the spring runway shows and is definitely the it color of the season... though I won't be taking it so far as to color my hair a pretty shade of rose, I will be indulging in some fabulous pink items from the Fashion Mall at Keystone this spring.

Here are my top 5 picks for blush pink:

1. This carryall from Coach is the perfect soft leather and in a shade of pink that will match perfectly with every outfit this spring. Madison Cafe Carryall in leather/ Coach

2. What says chic and rocker all at the same time, but kitten heels with studs on. Valentino Rock Studded Leather Kitten Heels/ Saks

3. The perfect shape for any lady and belted at the waist so accentuate a woman's figure. Stella McCartney Astile Jacket/ Saks

4. With floral notes, this fragrance is fresh and pretty for spring. Jo Malone London Peony and Blush Suede Cologne/ Saks

5.  A little edgy but so comfortable for everyday, this sneaker screams springtime fashion. Lanvin Metallic Sneaker/ Nordstrom 

Ladies, find your inner romance and have a spring fling with blush pink!

Happy shopping,

(Bisous Bisous)

Bronte xx

I abhor the word 'sneaker.' 

It implies worn out tennis shoes, probably left and forgotten in a high schooler's gym locker for far too many months.

'Sneaker' makes it sound like casual shoes can't be dressed up, or even trendy. Which just isn't true.

Sneakers are actually the perfect shoe for showing off your personality, and no sneaker does that better than the classic high top. Here of some of the latest high topped sneakers from Nordstrom perfect for showing off your unique style. 

This D-Velows D-String Sneaker by DIESEL melds street style and upscale chic to create a must have high top that your feet should be begging for.

This Skytop Sneaker by Supra comes into a bold burgundy color. The distressed leather gives it a worn and edgy look that's flashy without going over the top. 

This Match Supreme Sneaker by Nike is perfectly understated and classic. From the iconic swoosh to it's grey, black, and white tones, you can't go wrong with the OG of sneakers. 

This Cota Hi Sneaker by Creative Recreation is sure to release your animal instructs with it's flamboyant cheetah print. They're a little out there and a little too much, but you're sure to earn kudos for rocking kicks this crazy. 

This Moby High Top Sneaker by Original Penguin will cover all your footwear bases. Penguin high tops will last for years and the slick black color pairs well with any outfit.

I'm a sucker for a good superhero story.

Call it boyhood nostalgia or a flair for those flashy costumes, but I'm always the first in line for a summer blockbuster starring a caped crusader or a rag tag team trusted with saving the world. 

So it should come as no surprise that I'm FREAKING OUT over those superhero tank tops by Junk Food, available at Urban Outfitters. 

Not that I needed another excuse to start working on my tank collection for Summer 2014, but Iron Man isn't too shabby a place to start. It isn't Robert Downey, Jr.'s Iron Man, but this vintage look is the perfect comic book throwback.

So Ryan Reynolds' Green Lantern was lame as hell, but the Green Arrow more than makes up for it. Especially if you've ever seen Stephen Amell as the Hood on the CW's "Arrow." 

And saving the best for last, no superhero will ever compare to the amazing Spider-Man. Because who can't relate to the teenage nerd Peter Parker, just trying to save New York, get the girl next door, and finish his science homework? And there's no better homage to those Spidey-Senses than this vintage, comic book front inspired tank. 

Fellow Style Mavens!

I started thinking about the next big date on the gifting Calendar and unless you have a birthday or an anniversary coming up shortly, then you're shopping for Valentine's Day. I'm sure it's one of the busiest times of the year for Jewelry stores and that's for good reason as after all diamonds are a girl's best friend, but why not choose something a little different for your loved ones this year?

At The Fashion Mall at Keystone, you'll be able to find all my suggestions below along with so many more options if you already know what you're looking to give.

The Love Small Mug available at Crate and Barrel is perfect for pouring your love a morning coffee or tea on Valentine's Day, or any other day.  It's especially fitting with the cold snap that we've been enjoying in Indy this winter.  Why not buy two mugs and share coffee together over the weekend paper, or get a set for brunch with the entire family!

The Marlowe Mini Envelope Cross-body Bag by Rebecca Minkoff available at Saks Fifth Avenue is the perfect date-night clutch and has that pop of spring color that will bring a smile to anyone's face on a grey day.  Ladies, this is the perfect item to hint for, or just have your man read my blog for perfect gifting ideas.

This Script Love Cuff by C.Wonder although jewelry, is far from boring or traditional and gold is the color of the moment.  When your lady wears this, she'll smile and think of you!

I know these boots may not be as romantic as lingerie, but any girl living in Indy needs a good pair of winter boots.  These are stylish enough for everyday wear and the fully waterproof hot pink and black exterior will keep feet warm and dry until the spring sunshine returns. Find the Glacy Explorer boots at Nordstrom.

This Coincidence and Chance Heart Intarsia Sweater from Urban Outfitters would be the perfect Valentine's gift, it screams I "heart" you!  Wear this now with jeans, or pair with shorts as shown and it will be sweet and cosy all spring.

My final suggestion for a Valentine's gift, the Nespresso U Spresso Maker available at Crate and Barrel would be perfect for ladies and gents, couples, friends and families alike.  The great thing about giving this gift is that you know you'll always have great coffee on hand, even on a snow-day! 

Happy shopping and Happy Valentine's my friends,

Bisous Bisous

Bronte xx