Monday, December 31, 2012

Color Combo Love: Mint and Silver

via Pinterest

via Zara

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via Etsy

Mint and silver feel so fresh this winter. I love the icy combination with just a dash of glamour. Black and silver is predictable this time of year so mix it up with a little light green. This color combination will transition seamlessly into spring too...just add your brightest whites to pull it all together.

5. J. Crew flats

As 2012 comes to a close, I want to thank you for reading Savoir-Flair and wish you a happy new year full of love, laughter, good health and cheer!

xxoo

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Sub-$100 Sale Picks

Well, we made it! Another Christmas has come and gone. I hope you enjoyed a fun-filled holiday shared with family and friends. You might have even scored a little Christmas cash from Santa! Lucky for you, the sales are ON and now is a great time to pick up pieces that you might not otherwise be able to afford. 

I scoured Bauble Bar, Shopbop and Net-A-Porter to select some of the best sale options for under $100 and am sharing them with you! Keep in mind that you may score pieces that are out of season, like tanks and swimsuits. Layer them up now and, come April, you'll thank yourself.


Have you checked out any of the sales online? There is a LOT more where these came from. Let me know what you find!

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Wednesday's Look For Less: Sequin Skirt

I honestly don't know if it's appropriate for me to even post this week, which is why I haven't before now. I have been sending positive thoughts and comforting prayers to everyone affected by the senseless tragedy in Connecticut. But I also know that many people tune into the blogosphere to escape real life for a fleeting moment. In honor of healing, coping and distracting, I'd like to still post this week's Look for Less and hopefully offer you some entertainment. 


Whether we're up for it or not, the holidays are happening and it's time to pull out all the stops. This time of year offers up the best excuse to rock sequins and shine. The two skirts above are easy holiday pieces that most anyone (at least of the appropriate age) can add to their wardrobe and get great use out of. Can you tell which one costs less?

These snazzy skirts are at two VERY different price points. The skirt on the left is a smart buy from Hallelu (located here in Wilmington!) for only $43. It is too much fun! The skirt on the right, also very fun and festive, is a Sass & Bide number from Net-A-Porter ringing up at $420. Yikes. I mean, I love sequins as much as the next Southern girl but I also love paying my bills on time, eating dinner and maybe getting a facial...

And while we're on this topic, can I just say that I love how Net-A-Porter styled this skirt to keep it low key? Maybe it's because I'm obsessed with that Tibi sweater...if you've seen me lately, you might already know that. It would also be just as easy with a black tee tucked into it or sassed up with a slinky tank.


I realize that Hallelu may not have many sizes of this skirt left- probs because it's so fab and sold out quickly- so consider this option from Express, also for a good price.


With parties and celebrations a-plenty, most of us could use just one more piece, right? Will this one work for you? 

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Wednesday's Look For Less: Bronzed Cable Knit

I fell in love with a sweater last week. And then another blog blew up like a Macy's parade balloon, creating an all-out craze for the thing and causing massive sellouts all across the Internet. Who can blame the masses? Blair styled that top beautifully, although I was just thinking of wearing it with black skinny jeans...tomAYto, tomAHto. Good thing there's a worthy alternative and it happens to be cheaper! 


The sweater on the left comes to us courtesy of Michael Kors' economy line, MICHAEL Michael Kors, but it still rings up at $150. It is one good looking top though, a classic, preppy knit interpreted in a modern metallic. But ASOS offers us a great looking, strikingly similar alternative for only $63! I think I might be able to settle in this case...

Chic sweaters just in time for the holidays! But don't dilly-dally. These tops have obviously created a craze so if you are lucky enough to find one, I suggest you snatch it up!

***BONUS ALERT***

If you're interested in a similar style by Michael Kors, he offers a short sleeve version that is equally as chic as its long-sleeved relative for about $140. You'll still be saving a little while also getting a nice piece. 

The Night Night Fairy

Families' Christmas traditions are part of what makes the holidays so fun. Some traditions are old, some are new and some are just plain timeless.



My family happens to practice one of the best and most creative Christmas traditions of all time...but I might be just a liiiiiittle bit biased. Every year, on the night of the 23rd or Christmas Eve Eve, the "Night Night Fairy" pays a visit to everyone in my parents' household delivering fancy pajamas and little extras for us to open on the morning of Christmas Eve. The Night Night Fairy's true mission is to supply her loyal subjects with nice "night nights" to wear while opening presents Christmas morning.

However, the Night Night Fairy's mission has gradually grown into also providing a little holiday bling. When we were little girls, the extras from the Night Night Fairy came in the form of small trinkets- goofy toys, fancy notebooks, fun socks- but as we got older, the extras became jewelry! So while the mystique of the Night Night Fairy has faded over the years, the excitement still remains. This year, the Night Night Fairy asked me to put in a few requests to get her started...


The Night Night Fairy tends to be quite generous. Look out, Santa Claus!

What fun traditions does your family have?? 

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Shoulder Dusting

Have you been introduced to the world of the shoulder duster? This type of dusting is the kind I can really get on board with! Monkee's in Wilmington held its holiday party a few weeks ago and I fell shoulders over heels for a pair of Kenneth Jay Lane tassel earrings. They have been such a fun statement accessory- I have to force myself NOT to wear them. 

Turns out, tassel earrings come in a huge range of prices and styles- beaded, fringed, designer, budget-friendly...if you love them like I do, then there's not reason you can't find your perfect pair! 



Fun earrings like these are an easy way to amp up your holiday wardrobe. Even your most basic black dress will be a stunner with your hair in a (sock) bun and these babies grazing your collarbone...okay, maybe they're not quite that long but you get the idea. Or you can wear them like I do- with a sweater, a silk blouse, a tee shirt, yoga pants, pajamas...

Run and tell Santa!

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Wednesday's Look For Less: Two-Tone Trouser

When the holidays roll around, who couldn't use a look for less?? Saving a little dough is sure to put you on Santa's Nice list so let Saint Nick do the splurging while you save.

Now I'm sure you've been looking for a two-tone pair of trousers, right? *wink wink 

But hear me out- a tonal trouser can be super duper flattering. This strategic colorblocking tricks the eye, camoflauging any lower body woes you might be facing, especially if you've had too much figgy pudding at the end of the year. 


So can you tell which pair costs less? The cropped pair on the right is the budget find from Zara, ringing up at $80. The fashion forward pair on the left comes straight off 3.1 Phillip Lim's runway and costs $475. Given that the Zara pair has the reverse shading with black on the back, a pear shape might prefer this budget find over a pair with a white rear.

Give your jeans a rest and pull on a two-tone pant with your favorite cozy sweater or wear this festive pair with a sparkly jacket, a great alternative for when it's just too darn cold to pull of a skirt...and maybe even keep a little jingle in your pocket

Weekend Recap- Tabletop Edition

A momentous occasion took place this weekend. We dinner ate at the dining room table. It's tragic, really, that my household fails at taking the time to eat in the dining room, especially since- ahem- you can still see the tv from the table. But I happen to love setting the table for dinner (more than I like cooking for it!) and, of course, had to document it. 


While my beau made fun of me for taking this picture, I actually received a lot of questions about where it was taken and the details. Well, heck, I figured why not post it on the blog! So here is the tabletop breakdown...

Both plates are Vietri. The white plates are from their Incanto series and I mix the various styles within that collection. I'm pretty sure some of my fellow bloggy friends out there have the same pieces in their cabinets. The glass bowl is also Vietri and just beautiful in person. All of these plates were a gift from my parents last Christmas. (Thanks, Mom and Dad!)

 available from Bloomingdales

available from Belk

The placemats are interesting and fun dahlia patterns by Chilewich. I swear they go with everything- from formal to casual, patterned to plain. Mine are gunmetal but they come in other metallics as well.


available from Bloomingdales

I'm slightly obsessed with my new dinner napkins. You can't really tell from the picture but they are a lovely platinum metallic linen by The Royal Standard


The champagne flute and serving bowl are both oldies. The bowl came from Pottery Barn but Replacements has one really similar. Williams-Sonoma also has a slightly different (and probably much nicer) version of the champagne flutes. 




And the silver was my grandmother's. It is State House Silver in the Stately pattern. The floral carvings scream Mama Dot to me. She loved gardening and worked in her flower beds up until her old age. She also loved to have her family over for a great meal so it's only appropriate that I eat dinner with her silver! Thank goodness for Replacements, Ltd. in Greensboro. I look forward to adding to her collection one day.



Thank you, sis, for coming to town and motivating me to force a sit down dinner!



How do you set your table? Do you have any of these same pieces? I'd love to know how you use them!

Monday, December 3, 2012

Seeing Dots

Don't polka dots make a Monday morning that much better? 

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via Tumblr

Usually I'm a stripes girl all the way but lately I've been seeing DOTS. Have you too? There is something cheerful and even a bit nostalgic about a good old fashioned polka dot.


Did you acquire any polka dots this season?

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Holiday Dressing: Naughty or Nice?

Will your wardrobe be naughty...


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via ASOS

or nice... 

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this holiday season?

As you're getting dressed for the various parties in December, please keep in mind the occasion and your fellow guests. Should you attend an office function or non-profit's celebration, consider being NICE. That means ladylike proportions, sparkling jewels around the face and polished hair and make-up. However, when New Year's Eve comes around or you're gathering for a night on the town with friends, you're allowed to let your hair down, pull out the lingerie-inspired looks and be a little bolder.


Happy Holiday Parties!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Wednesday's Look for Less: Tweed Tee

Happy Look for Less day! It's time for your midweek budget blender courtesy of moi. Since this fall is ALL about texture, it's only appropriate that today's focus reflect on a classic fall fabric, tweed. But this cut is not your grandma's skirt suit. The classic tee in tweed is the new, chic way to wear it. 


But can you tell which top costs more? The top on the right comes courtesy of my fall 2012 favorite Tibi. And while it might be on sale right now (at Net-A-Porter so get it while it's hot!), it still costs a good bit more than its counterpart on the left. In fact, it costs nearly $100 more. The Aryn K. top on the left rings up at just $70. Cha-ching!

It's interesting that both Net-A-Porter and Piperlime chose to show this style top with batik and paisley patterned bottoms. If I owned a tweed topper, I'd actually keep up the play on texture with velvet or waxed denim skinnies and a classic flat. It's a bit more 21st century Jackie O. and less Kate Hudson...no offense, K. 

So, in case holiday shopping has just about wiped you out, you still have a great, budget-friendly option for that upcoming party. Alternatively, if Santa has asked you to put a little splurge on your list, then this Tibi top has timeless- and chic and SALE- written all over it. 

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Palette Cleanser

After all of our feasting, shopping Black Friday through Cyber Monday and gift guiding, I need a little palette cleanser. What about you? 

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via Real Simple


A fresh start before we get into the Christmas spirit is just what I need right about now. How about you? Is your tree already up or are you relishing these last few days before December begins? 


Off to detox!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Turkey Day Style

Thanksgiving. A day of giving thanks for the many blessings we have received, gathering with family and eating our freakin' faces off. Sure, stretchy pants are the knee-jerk reaction to the notion of waistline expansion but in order to curb your ability to compete with Kobayashi, keep yourself in check with your normal jeans or slacks. (If you're like me, you'll need those stretchy pants in a few days anyway.) Perhaps more importantly though, make sure you dress in layers. It's sure to be cold on Thursday but remember that the heat is ON inside. Finally, choose sensible but stylish footwear. I know you have some great boots you have been waiting to pull out of your closet this year. 


In the wake of all this practicality though, make sure you add one glam element, like a sparkly stud. It is the holidays after all. 

***Bonus Alert***
Many of these pieces are from J. Crew Factory. Until midnight tonight, J. Crew Factory is offering 30% off EVERYTHING online with the code SCOREMORE. Go now!

Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving!!

Monday, November 19, 2012

Purple Rain

It's been raining here. A lot. And during this continuous rain, I've had some time to realize that I have become addicted to the color purple. Not the book or the Oprah Winfrey production. The color purple for real. I think this image has a little something to do with it. 

via Apartment Therapy

Kelly Wearstler is the all-time queen of interesting color combos. (If you don't believe me, read this.) And with so many glorious shades of royalty's favorite color, it's nearly impossible to find one that won't work for you. I've rounded up a few favorites in shades from lavender to magenta to claret. And if you ever got a Clinique makeover as a tween, then you'll recognize a classic below.


Do you use much purple in your home or wardrobe? With the right shades, you too could be queen of the color scheme...or at least a duchess.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Earn Your Stripes

If you're a total Francophile, like moi, then you might be a serious sucker for stripes. Over the weekend, I scored this top from the Gap for under $20 during their 30% off Friends and Family sale. Don't worry if you missed out, though. This tee still only rings up at $23 and I'd be willing to bet their Black Friday sale will be even better...


A striped tee is so easy to wear, it's hard for me not to reach for it every time I go to get dressed. It's natural to want to pull on your favorite blue jeans, a comfy pair of shoes and a puffy vest (om, this might be the exact description of what I wore yesterday) but what about taking that tee a little more Rive Gauche and creating some interesting and unexpected pairings? By mixing in elements like leather accents, studs, sequins and neoprene, your basic tee takes on a whole new, vibrant style. 


Mix and match dressy accessories to make your basics sing as we approach the holidays. When in doubt, you can always throw on your favorite jeans and get going! 

How do you wear your stripes?

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Wednesday's Look For Less: Leopard Coat

Y'all, it is COLD today. And I'm in the South! I can only imagine how it must feel up North right now. It's easy to get into frump mode when the temps drop, donning oversized Cosby sweaters, puffy jackets and boots with the furrrrrr. But don't let Jack Frost get his grubby little hands on you. Let's take a look at a super chic yet classic option for your winter outerwear this year, the leopard print coat.

via San Francisco Girl by the Bay

via Atlantic-Pacific

via Pinterest

The versatile leopard print coat easily leans from dressy to casual with the change into boyfriend jeans or a pencil skirt. Formerly associated with the bombshell look, leopard has gradually become more of a neutral in this day and age. Since the fashion world is all about mixing prints, feel free to wear it with stripes, polka dots and even florals! 

But the age old question is, do you save or do you splurge? 


If you're in the market for a new jacket and you want to spend spend SPEND, then opt for the choice on the left. This By Malene Birger coat from Shopbop rings up at a whopping $795! There's not doubt you'll get tons of wear out of it this year. But if you're not in the market for an animalistic splurge, then the ASOS jacket on the right will make your bank account happy with a price tag of only $86. In my case, I think I'll save the $700 for a rainy day...or put it toward a bathroom renovation. 

How do you feel about leopard, specifically cut as a coat? Would you save or spend?