Greenwood Park Mall

Hello Fellow Style Mavens!

Without a doubt, every woman needs an awesome LBD (little black dress). It's the one item in my closet that I know fits me perfectly and is an instant show-stopper; a dress I can reach for knowing that it will be perfect for the occasion, whether it be a cocktail mixer or a more formal theater opening. I wanted to find something edgy for the holiday season, so lace and leather accents are at the top of my list!

With Christmas and New Year's Eve just around the corner, time is of the essence and a hot commodity. Our to-do lists are as long as the list of gifts we are looking to find, hence the reason why I decided to plan a one-stop-shopping outing at Saks at The Fashion Mall at Keystone in search of my LBD!

Luckily there is a myriad of choices to fit every girl's style this season, from edgy details to glamorous beading. Feather accents are also really big right now, so if you're game to have some fun with your dress, then kick up your heels as there will be nothing to hold you down!

I won't say which LBD I ended up with, but you can see my inspirations for a big night out here and then get to Saks at The Fashion Mall at Keystone to find one that's perfect for you!

All dresses from Saks, Left to Right:  Theia Belted Crepe and Glittered Lace Dress// Aidan Mattox Beaded Cocktail Dress// Aidan Mattox Sleeveless Lace Sheath Dress// Aidan Mattox Leather Applique Strapless Dress// Alice and Olivia Shelly Lace and Leather Dress.

Happy LBD Shopping ladies!

Bisous Bisous 

Bronte xx

Hello Fellow Style Mavens!

The leaves have turned and the skies are crying, it's deep into fall and times are changing. I have my umbrella on the ready and a hot cocoa in hand, but while I'm all rugged up like a hibernating Koala (remember I come from Australia) many of you are relishing in the cooler days and chilly nights, good for you! 

I do agree that there is something so gloriously warm about stepping out into a grey day wearing a pair of boots with wooly socks hidden underneath. I may be cheeky to hide my socks below a leather boot (but who knows, right!) they are simply classic and so chic, boots are one of my secrets for the late fall months. If I find my favorites now, I'm also prepared for stepping into the winter months ahead.

Here I wanted to share with you my favorite picks, tall and short, because if you have one of each then you're set for every occasion this season.  These are neutral enough to dress up or down and you can pair with leggings and skinny jeans, or slip under trousers. Elevate your favorite pencil skirt by wearing tights and your favorite pair of boots, don a chunky oversized cable knit sweater and you are on top of the trends my friends!

Happy shopping at The Fashion Mall at Keystone, I'd love to hear which boots you choose!

Bisous Bisous,

xx Bronte 

Top Styles Left to Right: Adler Tall Boot, Cole Haan// MK Collection Morganna, Michael Kors// Chloe Suede Knee-High, Saks// 5050 To-The-Knee, Stuart Weitzman.

Bottom Styles Left to Right: Porter Boot Sam Edelman, Nordstrom// Cassidy Bootie, Cole Haan// Topshop Katz 2 cutout, Nordstrom// Chelton Bootie, Sperry Topsider.

Hello My fellow Style Mavens!

With the arrival of Thanksgiving just next week, 'tis the season for receiving friends and family in your home and also for visiting and gift giving when you are invited to theirs. 

As Style Setter at The Fashion Mall at Keystone, I was challenged to bring together some of my favorite "Hostess Gift" picks along with some tips for holiday hosting for a segment on our local Fox 59 News channel, how fun!

Flowers and wine are the standard among hostess gifts and they are nice, but why not give something a little more personal, after all your host has no doubt put a lot of thought into planning the event. My mother would always tell me that you can't arrive to someone's house empty handed, but what you take doesn't necessarily need to break your bank either.  

For a couple attending dinner, a small well-thought gift such as candles or wine glasses with a personal note card is the perfect way to show your appreciation. I really love the Missoni Home Collection, exclusive to Saks as the signature patterns add a touch of color to any decor and they burn clean since they're vegetable candles. Lighting one just an hour before guests arrive fills the house with a wonderfully welcoming aroma.

If you are visiting from out of town and staying overnight or even a couple of days, it would be appropriate to bring a more substantial gift such as a throw blanket or something for your host's home. I found some sublime, faux fur throws at West Elm and Saks has the Missoni Collection cashmere throw.  These are for everyone and will get use throughout the season. It's so nice to cozy up your home to receive guests, or even just to relax with a hot drink and watch the snow falling outside. Also, the faux fur pouf cushion at West Elm is a great way to add extra seating for kids, they will be all over sitting on that by the fire, and you'll want to use it long into the winter months to rest your feet on after a long day playing in the snow!

It's great if you can gift something that you know your host will use again in the future and think of you at that time too. Plus, giving something festive at Thanksgiving is a great idea as your host can use it to entertain at Christmas and or New Year's Eve too. I love the monogrammed items at C.Wonder and the barware and small plates at Crate and Barrel. Plus, Saks also has some amazing Brazilian Agate coasters that would be a colorful touch on any coffee table.

Check out my favorites here and make sure to pick up some of the season's best hostess gifts on your next trip to The Fashion Mall at Keystone!

Happy Shopping!

Bisous Bisous,

Bronte xx

Items Above: Faux Fur Throw, West Elm// Missoni Cashmere Throw, Saks// Monogrammed Cheese plate and knife, C Wonder//  Agate Coasters, Saks// Missoni Home Candle, Saks// Wine Glasses, Crate and Barrel// Sequined top, C Wonder.

Items Below: Monogrammed plates, cheese board set & wine stopper, C Wonder// Coffee Mugs, Carafe & Barware, Crate and Barrel// Faux Fur pouf cushion and throw rug, West Elm.

Hello Fellow Style Mavens!

It's that time of year when the trees are starting to get bare, the clocks have fallen back and we're seemingly always under a cloud of gray skies. This is the time of year when I always start to feel a little melancholy. Maybe it's because in Australia it's the start of summer and my friends back there are all in flirty, thin dresses and I'm here bundling myself up for strolls on the Monon. Maybe it's just the shorter days and the cooler air laced with the scent of wood fires that takes me back to these days leading to the first snow fall. 

If you're feeling at all like me, why not spice up a gray day with my top 15 picks of the cool shade that's become the new black. Check them out below and head to The Fashion Mall at Keystone to get a head start on your personal holiday shopping. After all, we all want to be on-trend while shopping for Christmas gifts!

Items Left to Right:  Scarf Marc by Marc Jacobs, Saks// Faux Fur Vest, Michael Kors// Knit hat, Michael Kors// Earrings, C Wonder// Baystar Chuckk shoe, Sperry Topsider// Skinny Jeans, Free People// Sport Stripe Sock, Free People// Metallic Rim Sunglasses, Tory Burch at Saks// Daf Booty by Christian Louboutin, Saks// Peplum top, Free People// Lucite Cuff, C Wonder// Sweater, BCBG// Skirt, J.Crew// Enamel Hardware belt, Cole Haan.

Thanks to the stars at Polina Osherov's studio, you can see how I wore the gray trend here!

I'm loving anything leather right now, so these leather military pants in gray are my favorite of the season. Paired with a feminine blouse or top they are perfect for a day at the mall!

Happy shopping,

Bisous Bisous!

Bronte xx

facesbyklm.com// philipsalmon.com// polinaosherov.com

Hello Fellow Style Mavens,

After studiously following fashion week from each major city around the globe, I finally closed my computer and flopped on the couch almost as exhausted as the models working the shows! This got me thinking and I had just one question on my mind, are we all taking fashion too seriously?

That's why in this post I've decided to feature items from The Fashion Mall at Keystone that speak to our inner animal, our purring lioness and that possibly get our tails wagging with glee that a fun and playful, yet still classic trend is right at our fingertips. 

If statement coats are a must this fall, then why not choose a bold animal print?  If you are feeling a little more conservative, then a pair of leopard print flats will add some animal attraction to an all black silhouette that's perfect for the office. Accessorize to your inner jungle goddess with tortoise shell and ivory accents and don't be afraid to mix your prints, whether it be paws or houndstooth!

I say, there's nothing wrong with catching a little jungle fever this fall, so step out in style and have fun!  Happy shopping, you can find all the items featured below at The Fashion Mall at Keystone.

Bisous Bisous

Bronte xx

Items Left to Right:  Flats, Michael Kors// Boots, Michael Kors// Scarf; Banana Republic// Coat, Burberry// Wallet, Kate Spade// Sunglasses, Stella McCartney at Saks// Dress, 3.1 Phillip Lim at Saks// Bag, Burberry London at Burberry// Watch, Michael Kors// Earrings, Lucky Brand// Bracelet, C Wonder// iphone case, Lucky Brand.

Hello Fellow Style Mavens!

I consider myself lucky. Lucky in the sense that I have friends in the know . . . 

Recently I was at the Fashion Mall at Keystone catching up for lunch with my go-to-girl for makeup tips and tricks and it so happens that she's a makeup artist and medical esthetician. I'd been wanting to go into the MAC store and now I had the perfect lady to take me for a tour. Lucky me!

If you haven't been into the MAC store at the Fashion Mall at Keystone yet, don't be as intimidated as I was at first. It's really worth a visit, even though I know from the outside looking in it seems daunting with all the rows of lipsticks and eye shadows in every color imaginable. In my experience, the staff are so enthusiastic and helpful in helping you make a choice. Even if you don't know what you want or need, at MAC they love a blank canvas to work with, just step inside and be beautified!  

Until this season, I wasn't big into wearing lipstick, as I was always a gloss-and-go girl. This is ok, but it's good to keep in mind that with holiday's approaching, there will be a lot of parties to attend and parties = pictures!  Deep purples are the hot color for winter, but remember that if you're wearing a colorful outfit, it might be best to stick with a nude lip so you don't overpower the look. Regardless of the event, a pop of color on your lips elevates everything, and who doesn't want to look their best in a picture?!

Image courtesy MAC Cosmetics 

Here's the best way to get the look, and see how I wore it below!

Perfect Purple Lip Tutorial: 
1. Make sure lips are exfoliated and hydrated.
2. Apply a concealer or light foundation to lips to assure an even palette. 
3. Try a classic hue, such as Rebel or Cyber by MAC. 
4. First apply lipstick and follow with a matching liner. This allows you to fix any "out of the lines" mishaps.
5. Set your lips by peeling off 1 ply of a tissue. Put it over your mouth and set it with a translucent powder that you would normally use on your face. Apply it over your whole mouth to set the color. You can even apply a second coat of color over top! 

Extra Tips: The best way to make sure lipstick doesn't get on teeth; do the ole " Put your finger between your lips and pull out" trick. If you're at dinner or a cocktail party, take small bites and drink through a straw. The color will last longer!! 

Image Courtesy of Me! Wearing "Rebel" by MAC

Happy Shopping for your new holiday lip color,

Bisou Bisous

Bronte xx

*Special thanks to Jamia Hoffman for the tour at MAC and the lip tutorial you can follow her @JamiaHoffman

Hello fellow Style Mavens!

This week I took a quick trip up to Montreal, Canada for a couple of meetings. Unfortunately I wasn't prepared for the cold snap that had struck the city, but luckily I had my new beanie tucked into my carry-on bag.

The reason I love this look and my new black knit version is two fold;

Firstly, there's occasionally a reason to crawl out of bed before the sun is up and when that happens, you know it's just too early to be fussing with hair spray or styling a hair do.  A beanie is perfect, pull on and go; instant style!  It adds a tough edge to any outfit and as you can see from the photos below, you can style it with so many of your existing outfits, from skirts and a blazer to jeans and a sweater.

Secondly, it can get really, really cold outside at this time of the year and when the wind is blowing, a knit beanie will keep your ears warm and toasty.

Recently I have seen this item in many of the stores during my visits to The Fashion Mall at Keystone, see below for a few recommendations.

Stay toasty and happy shopping!

Bisous Bisous

Bronte xx

Photo: above and below courtesy Lookbook.nu

Photo: Courtesy BCBG Runway

Items Left to Right Top:  Cara Slouchie Beanie, Nordstrom//  Cosy Knit Beanie, Madewell// Jac Knit Beanie, BCBG.

Bottom:  Tarnish Knit Beanie, Nordstrom// Chunky Ribbed Knit Beanie, BCBG// Tarnish Chunky Knit Beanie, Nordstrom.