Towne East Square

What girl doesn't need a great clutch in her life? We all have huge totes, grab-and-go satchels but a killer clutch is perfect for a night out. I found some amazing clutch options at Towne East Square. Let's dig in, shall we?

 

1. Nina Mae peacock clutch (Dillard's)
2. Kate Spade Quinlan clutch (VonMaur)
3. Coach Flight wristlet
4. Vince Camuto horn clutch (Dillard's)
5. MICHAEL Michael Kors Selma stud clutch (Dillard's)
6. The Limited leopard clutch
7. Express tweed clutch
8. Brahmin Melbourne tablet clutch (VonMaur)

'Tis the season for holiday parties, and what completes an outfit quite like a flashy clutch? Nothing, ladies. For those that dig sparkle: Dillard's has you covered with this gorgeous peacock clutch (1) and a fun chevron sparkle horn clutch (4), Express offers a hard clutch with metallic tweed detail (7), and VonMaur will set you up with this simple but shiny gold clutch (2). Leopard print is a really big trend for fall and winter, so why not indulge in this version from The Limited (6).

If you're looking for an everyday clutch, consider this one from MICHAEL Michael Kors (5), which is super slim, studded, and comes in a gorgeous cognac color. In the mood for black? This classic black clutch from Coach (3) has your name all over it. This navy faux croc Brahmin clutch (8) is over-sized, which means a chic way to carry around your tablet

A clutch means you have to edit what you carry with you, as space is typically an issue. My essentials?

• Phone
• Camera (especially for nights out; you have to properly capture the memories!)
• Lipstick
• Shine sheets and/or matte powder (essential for keeping oil at bay)
• ID + debit card
• Tide pen (never know when you'll have a spill)
• Bobby pins
• Q-tips (fix wayward eyeliner on the fly)

Happy shopping!

You can pick up the products featured above at Dillard's, VonMaur, Coach, The Limited, and Express.

You can pick up the products above at Express and VonMaur. - See more at: http://stylesetter.simon.com/blog/ashley-white/black-doesnt-have-to-be-basic#sthash.GacIRt0W.dpuf You can pick up the products above at Express and VonMaur. - See more at: http://stylesetter.simon.com/blog/ashley-white/black-doesnt-have-to-be-basic#sthash.GacIRt0W.dpuf

 

Black is the new black, am I right? No other color trumps it, there's nothing more chic than an all-black outfit. 

I dressed in all black last weekend for dinner on the town. I wanted to play with texture a little bit, so I grabbed a few types of fabrics with different finishes in my attempt to create something interesting.

Sweater, trousers, and statement necklace: Express
Pumps: Nine West

This sueded black sweater was an instant love for me. Classic cut, but the style payoff is high, don't you think? Silky pajama trousers are a newer trend, and this black pair is a great way to try out the fad. I felt like I was wearing my pj's in public- so comfy! A two-tone statement necklace breaks up the black a just a little, and a pair of simple black patent pumps complete the look. You can find all of these items at Express and VonMaur at Towne East Square.

I love these pieces together, but I'll get more mileage out of the component by pairing them with other outfits. For example, the suede of the sweater would really dress up a pair of simple skinny jeans, while the pajama trousers could be worn with a blouse in a bright color and a leather jacket. Lots of possibilities for remixing here!

You can pick up the products above at Express and VonMaur.

It's almost Thanksgiving - do you know what you're wearing? No worries, I've got you covered with a few outfit options. Some of us attend casual football-all-day-turkey-until-we're-stuffed events, while others are more formal stilettos-and-pearls-while-we-sip-cider.

For your more laid back Thanksgivings, denim is a must. High-waisted denim keeps your tummy tucked in (even after seconds), while the overall slouchy feel of a boyfriend jean is another great + comfy option. You can go with a classic striped tee or a warmer sweater, but both are perfect when styled with neutral ankle booties, a few gold bracelets and a fun chevron statement necklace. You can find all of these pieces at Express at Towne East Square.

 

1. Express Side Zip bootie 2. Express High Rise Ankle jean 3. Express Ankle Rolled Boyfriend jean 4. Express Striped Zippered Bateau tee 5. Express Leopard Jacquard Tunic sweater 6. Express Pave Initial Hook bangle 7. Express Love Charm Pull Chain bracelet 8. Express Linked Mixed Metal Chevron necklace   Your family's Thanksgiving might require a more formal outfit. Getting dressed is half the fun, right? (And the leftover pie, of course) You could go with a bodycon turtleneck sweater dress or a drop-waist dress if super fitted isn't your thing. Both dresses work with chevron tights, a crimson-colored cardigan, black booties and look-at-me jewelry. All of these pieces are available at Express.

 

1. Express Mock Neck Ruched Sweater dress 2. Express Sleeveless Drop Waist dress 3. Express Chevron Stripe tights 4. Express Crew Neck cardigan 5. Express Cobachon and Rhinestone Omega Chain necklace 6. Express Chevron Metal stretch bracelet 7. Express Suede Heeled bootie   Happy outfitting! Hope everyone has a happy (and yummy) holiday!  

You can pick up the products above at Express.

Are you on Instagram? My Insta is essentially a photo album of all things I find pretty. Right now it's fall foliage, plaid skirts and polish colors perfect for the season.

I swiped on a quick coat of Butter London's Sloane Ranger this weekend. Described as an olive + khaki creme lacquer infused with silver shimmer, it sounded like a great manicure to embody the military trend. If you follow my blog, you know olive green is a bit of an obsession for me this season. ...And now it's taken over my nails!

Tough and chic, no?

Lengthen the life of your manicure by keeping a quick dry top coat on hand for touch-ups. (I love Butter London's Hardware P.D. Quick Dry Top Coat.) A thin coat every other day can keep your manicure fresh for a full week.
 

You can pick up the product featured here at Sephora. 

 

Hi there, fellow partners in fashion crime. I'm Ashley from Le Stylo Rouge, and I'm your new Style Setter for the Towne East Square Mall.

A bit about me: I live in the Kansas City area and act as a content strategist for my 9-5 gig. I think fashion should be fun- curating your personal style is a journey, and you shouldn't take the whole thing too seriously. Take risks! Play with patterns, volume, and textures! Mix it up!

That being said, what better way to get to know a girl than to peek inside her bag? The contents of one's purse can be quite telling, so let's jump in.

I carry my life around in my bag- and like a true Girl Scout, I have everything I could possibly need packed neatly inside. Tech + personal organization are a girls' best friend, so I keep my cell phone, iPad, on-the-go charger and daily planner close by. Gum is a must- gotta stay fresh. But the real story lies in the beauty goods, am I right? A closer look at the ultimate On-the-Go Beauty List:

1. Modern Muse by Estee Lauder 2. Fresh Sugar lip balm in Berry 3. Butter London Hardwear top coat 4. Sephora Express cleaning wipes 5. Sephora cosmetic bag 6. Sephora crystal nail file 7. Sephora bobby pins 8. Hourglass Ambient Lighting powder in Dim Light 9. Bobbi Brown Long-wear eye liner  

I have been obsessed with the Modern Muse fragrance (1) since it was released earlier this year. It's a little bit floral, a little bit woody, and works for both day and evening. I carry it around with me for freshen-up spritzes between the office and drinks with the girls. 

Also good for post-work/pre-bar touch-ups: makeup remover wipes (4). Wipe lightly to remove the top layer of the day's grime (but keeping most of your makeup in-tact), and then re-apply highlighter, blush, liner, lipstick, etc. Fresh as a daisy! Two more products I love for touch-ups + taking a look from day to night: highlighting powder (8) and eye liner (9). Sweep the powder on the tops of the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose and on cupid's bow just above the lip to light up your whole face. And freshening up your eye liner before happy hour is never a bad idea.

Chapped lips aren't a good time, so I keep them at bay with a rich lip balm. Fresh does it right, and the brand offers a range of colors if you're looking for a one-two punch. This berry color (2) is perfect for the fall/winter season. 

Having a quick-dry top coat (3) in your bag ensures a manicure stays glossy and protects it from chipping. One of my tricks for making a mani last: when you spot a chip, cut the nail back just a smidge to cut the chip away. File lightly, then apply a top coat. Boom! Like it never happened. A nail file (6) is always in my bag for this exact reason.

I recently cut bangs (big step- I'm still reeling for the style change!), so I keep bobby pins (7) handy to pin 'em off/to the side on days I don't feel like going full fringe.

Everything goes in a chic cosmetic bag (5) for easy-to-access storage. It also makes switching purses a breeze. 

Thanks for reading, everyone! I'm happy to be part of the Style Setter team. Check the right column for some of my links; I would love to hook up with you on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. Come find me! :) 

You can pick up the products above at Sephora and VonMaur. 

I'm still mourning the passing of summer (anyone else?), but shopping for a shiny new winter coat will perk a girl right up. Are you ready for the coming cold season? I shopped VonMaur at Towne East Square for a few coats that are both super snuggly and on-trend for this winter.

The highlights: quilted, leather, bright colors, puffer vests and classic trenches.

 

1. Marc New York Wren Python-embossed leather jacket 2. Michael Kors Quilted Packable Down jacket 3. Calvin Klein Belted Wool Double-breasted coat 4. Eileen Fisher Down puffer vest 5. Calvin Klein Double-breasted trench   Leather is both a classic fabric and everywhere this season. A supple brown moto jacket (1) with python detail like this beauty from Marc New York is pretty lux, no? Love it, need it. I'm of the mindset that a girl can never have too many leather jackets.   Quilting is another trend on my radar, and I love the gold hardware detailing on this Michael Kors jacket (2). Decadent, but still practical.    Don't limit your coat choices to the basic neutrals; a brightly-colored jacket is a smart addition to your coat wardrobe. I love this vibrant cobalt color, and the wool blend is sure to keep you warm.   Puffer vests aren't just for Marty McFly (Back to the Future reference, anyone?). Vests are making a bit of a comeback. Great both as outerwear and as an alternative to a classic sweater, vests are back and better than ever.    The trench coat has been around for ages, and there's a reason it never goes out of style: it's functional, chic and flattering on everyone. I love this traditional Calvin Klein version. Trench coat pro tip: you don't have to buckle the belt; I typically tie mine in a knot at the waist. Quicker, and with more control over where you cinch.   Happy shopping!  

You can pick up the products above at VonMaur. 

Who is venturing out on Black Friday this year? Towne East Square is sure to be busy. For you brave souls, comfort is a necessity. Now is not the time to break in those 4-inch stacked heel boots, ladies. (As gorgeous as they are.)    But let's get real- as much as you want to hit the ground running in your yoga pants and trainers, you shouldn't have to sacrifice style. Let me help. Here's my quintessential Black Friday shopping outfit:   1. Vanity sweater 2. Express Stella (Minus the) Leather jean legging 3. Coach The Mini Borough bag 4. Express Sequin and Metallic Knit infinity scarf 5. Jeffrey Campbell Oriley Split Calf boot 6. Isaac Mizrahi Marya Patent Cap Toe flat   You're going to be on your feet (perhaps running?) all day long. Comfortable shoes are probably the most important part of your outfit on Black Friday. My picks? Either a classic, quilted, patent ballet flat like this gorgeous pair from Isaac Mizrahi (6) or a pair of tough Jeffrey Campbell ankle booties (3). Both work well with a pair of faux leather-trimmed skinny denim leggings (2) and a lightweight sweater (1).    You want to stay warm, so a scarf is nice to have on hand (5), but is a layer you can shed and shove in your bag if you find yourself stuck in a queue inside a particularly warm store. Last but not least, you want a handbag with a long enough drop to allow you to wear it across your body. (Hands-free shopping!) I love this sleek ladylike bag from Coach (4).   Don't forget to pack a protein bar + a bottle of water in your bag. You may not have time to stop and have a proper meal, and I don't know about your- but there's nothing that makes me crabbier than a grumbling stomach. Water is key, too- gotta stay hydrated!   Good luck on the hunt! May you be blessed with nearly-free HD flatscreen TV's and BOGO designer denim. :)   You can pick up the products above at Vanity, VonMaur, and Express.