MD Fashion

Your Affordable Spring Style Guide For Manhattanites

Believe it or not spring is right around the corner! The first official day is March 20 and you’ll definitely want your wardrobe to be ready in time for that glorious day. Considering how stressful it can be to deal with all of the clothes in your closet when trying to dress for just one season, we’re always looking for ways to cut down seasonal wardrobes into easy to maintain and organize collections. This year, there are just six versatile items you’ll need for great spring style.

Click to see our spring style guide!

Make Your First Impression Count with MOO

by Danielle Flocco

You only get one chance to make a great first impression, so don’t waste your opportunity with boring old business cards. White cardstock with raised text? Yep, everyone has already seen that some thousand times or so. “Interesting” layout with a bright color? Yeah, we’ve all seen that, too. How about gold foil and raised spot gloss? Well, that’s only from MOO and their Tailored Collection.

Red Carpet Looks- Even Better with Chic Sketch

by Danielle Flocco

With awards season in full swing, we’ve seen plenty of celebrities on the red carpet dressed in their best and looking absolutely fabulous. And while we always appreciate their stunning gowns from our side of the television screen, we now have an incredibly fun way to turn our favorite looks- either off the red carpet or of our own- into ready to Instagram ready professional sketches. Allow us to introduce Chic Sketch, your new favorite app for every event.

Keep Warm in NYC This Winter With HONNS Gloves

by Danielle Flocco

Winter seems to finally be here, and with the season comes cold weather. And, since the low temps were late this year, a lot of us are completely unprepared for the upcoming months. You’ve got your coat and scarf, the bare minimums for staying warm, but what about your hands? Many people forgo gloves so they can text or scroll through Instagram, putting your hands at risk for dry skin, stiffness, and even frost bite. But you don’t have to choose between using your hands and keeping them warm anymore.

HONNS gloves are stylish, warm, and have touch screen friendly index and thumb fingertips. Each pair is handcrafted, made of lambskin from English tanneries, and curved to mimic the natural shape of hands. They slide on and fit like a glove should, without getting in the way or taking away your fingers’ mobility. And unlike fleece gloves that are warm until they get wet, HONNS gloves are naturally water-resistant.

Get Your Nails New Year’s Eve Ready

by Danielle Flocco

The holidays have wrapped up and the new year is rolling in, but what’s going on with your manicure? With just a week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, it is easy to let the candy cane mani last a bit too long or your current color chip off rather than start new. But you don’t need to find the time to go back to the nail salon to step up your nail art game for the new year. All you need is a quick swipe of a new color, or even a quick tweak to your existing color before you head out for the night.

What Are The Hot Looks for the Holiday Season?

by Danielle Flocco

The holiday season is here and 2016 is right around the corner, and finding the perfect dress for your upcoming celebrations can be tough. While you’re getting ready to have all of your family over, or travel out to them, the last thing on your mind is what to wear. And with holiday office parties and epic new year’s eve plans ahead of you, you definitely want to look your best. So, here are some party ready dresses for all different budgets.

5 Great Scarves for Fall- A Manhattan Digest Exclusive

by Danielle Flocco

Temperatures are dropping and most of have started switching out our sundresses and sandals for sweaters and boots. And while all love our fall wardrobes, but it can be hard to find the right finishing touch as it gets colder. And that finishing touch is not always jewelry, but it can be a scarf. That’s why I’ve put together this list of 5 great scarves to finish off your fall outfit. All of these styles are currently trending, so you’re sure to find something that fits your fall look. And best of all, they’re all affordable! That means guilt free shopping for the season, whether you’re buying just one or quite a few.

“Basic Knit Snood”

Store: Zara

Price: $12.90

Why you’ll love it: This scarf isn’t as much a scarf as it is a neck sleeve. It’s great for anyone who is on the go and doesn’t have the time to wrap or tie a regular scarf. The basic knit snood, as they call it, just goes right over your head and you’re ready to go. Plus, it’s thick knit, so you’ll be able to snuggle your face into it and stay warm. Since it is just a plain knit, with no pattern or detail, it can be worn with absolutely anything.

“Striped Scarf”

Store: Forever 21

Price: $14.90

Why you’ll love it: It’s a large square with fringe on all edges, which makes it look good no matter how you put it on. For a level up from the snood above, this is another quick and easy option that only takes a minute to wrap perfectly. This one is lightweight, so it won’t be as warm as heavier scarves, but it is a great scarf for that in between weather when it is chilly, but not too cold yet. The simple black dotted pattern on a neutral color material make this a great add on to warm up a cardigan with jeans look, or to toss on with a dress and tights.

“BP. Autumn Plaid Scarf”

Store: Nordstrom

Price: $26.00

Why you’ll love it: It says so in the title, it’s an autumn scarf! The warm oranges with blues, reds, and yellow in the plaid pattern are reminiscent of pumpkin picking and latte sipping. This would look great with a sweater, jeans, and boots, or even a dress. It’s cozy, comfortable, and super cute.

“Collection XIIX Free Style Solid Loop”

Store: Macy’s

Price: $28.00

Why you’ll love it: This adorable loop scarf is another great on-the-go option. Just loop it twice around your neck and you’ve got a full, warm scarf to get cozy in. It comes in a few colors, and the fringe detail on the edge adds a cute and casual edge. This one is perfect for warming up your everyday look.

“Echo Roving Spacedye Wrap Scarf”

Store: Bloomingdale’s

Price: $68.00

Why you’ll love it: This wrap scarf is plain with an edge. It has a sewn on checker pattern with three colored lines along each side. The unique pattern makes it great for styling since it can look like a totally different scarf each time you wrap it up. You can show the three stripes without showing their intersection for a rounded, more continuous look. Or, wrap it where you can see where the stripes meet for an edgier, more squared look. The fringe detail on this scarf makes it great for casual wear.

So whether you’re looking for something easy, plain, or fun, there are tons of great scarves out there right now that you definitely want to get your hands on before winter rolls in. Love one of these? Just click the store name to shop!

Q&A with Top Italian Leather Handbag Designer Patricia Nash

by Danielle Flocco

As some of you may already know, there is an absolutely amazing premium leather handbag designer named Patricia Nash. Her products are not your run of the mill leather bags. They have beautiful detail, old world touches, and are built to last.

Patricia Nash had spent years designing for other companies like Disney, Warner Bros., Banana Republic, Express, and American Eagle- just to name a few. A challenge from a friend led to the launch of Patricia Nash Designs in 2010, which has received an overwhelming response with her products extending to stores like Macy’s, Dillard’s, Nordstrom, and various boutiques nationwide.

I am a proud owner of the Salerno Saddle Bag, and I can tell you that Patricia Nash’s products’ quality are like no other. The leather strap is so sturdy, and the bag itself is small and structured- great for a day out or daily use. The inside is perfect for orderly keeping of your wallet, phone, and planner. The structured sides are perfect- you’ll never go diving into the bottom of your bag again. Plus, there are two pockets inside that are perfect for keys, change, or other small objects you like to keep easily accessible. And, my favorite feature is the snap that secures the the flap to the purse itself. I accidentally sent the purse crashing down my steps, filled with my wallet, phone, pens, spare change, and various lip balms and absolutely nothing came out! It is absolutely the best snap closure I have ever experienced, which makes it perfect for clumsy folks like myself.

I was given the opportunity to ask Patricia a few questions, so here is what she has to say about her brand.

Your designs are not like anything else that we see today. They have such intricate detail that I have yet to see from any other designer. What are some inspirations behind your brand?

Patricia Nash: “My travels across Europe have provided many inspirations, including vintage shopping in Bologna, London, and Paris. I’ve developed friendships with people who share the same passion for vintage Italian leather bags as I do, and have been inspired by their collections as well as my own.”

You’ve accomplished so much with your brand in a short period of time. So, how does it feel for your career to be where it is now, and for you to do what you love everyday?

Patricia Nash: “Surreal! I am just humbled by the outpouring of women who reach out to me and share their passion for and loyalty with the brand with me.”

With such stunning and high quality products, I’d imagine that a lot of women appreciate your designs and your brand as a whole. What about Patricia Nash Designs really sets your products apart from other leather handbag designers?

Patricia Nash: “The old world craftsmanship and vintage vegetable tanned Italian leathers along with printed and tooled leather are unique to the entire market of handbags sold in the U.S.”

First of all, thank you to Patricia Nash for taking the time to tell us more about her one of a kind brand, Patricia Nash Designs.

The handbag shown in this article is the Salerno Saddle Bag in Florence.

Get your own Patricia Nash authentic Italian leather handbag and other great products like wallets, stationary, scarves, footwear, and more at patricianashdesigns.com

Ankle Booties- A Fall Footwear Essential

by Danielle Flocco

While we all trade our tank tops for sweaters and our shorts for jeans, we cannot forget to change our footwear, too. While it’s easy to overlook and emotionally painful to say goodbye to those super cute flats for a few months, wearing season appropriate shoes can up your style game- effortlessly!

When we dress for fall with in our favorite jeans, comfy sweater, and maybe a scarf or beanie or other seasonal accessory of choice, we are actively participating in the season. But, when the shoes are not right, it can make the outfit look mismatched. Obviously this extreme, but would you wear flip flops in the winter?? It’s all the same- out of season is just that.

Trading in flats for ankle booties puts the final touch to a fall outfit. There’s something about showing your feet that points towards spring and summer, and putting on a season appropriate equivalent of a flat takes that warm weather edge off of the outfit.

Ankle booties are just as comfortable as flats. Here, I’m wearing my most recent buy- a pair of suede American Eagle zipper ankle boots. While I usually prefer a pair with a small chunky heel, I thought these were super fun since they are suede, cheap, and feel like you’re wearing flats. The suede adds such a warm, autumn/winter feel to an outfit for me since it is a material rarely worn in the warmer seasons. So, this was a major draw when bootie shopping. Secondly, the price is awesome- $30! I found these in particular at a Payless shoe store, but AE.com or American Eagle stores have a really great variety of booties (ankle, mid calf, and knee high) for incredibly reasonable prices. And the best part- it feels like wearing regular flats. So, these are like a transition bootie, when you’re not quite ready to bid your flats farewell for awhile or not quite ready to embrace a typical leather boot.

My favorite thing about these is the zipper detail. The zipper on the outside is nonfunctional, purely for looks. But the zipper on the inside is fully functional, which makes it very easy to tuck your pants in over your socks. And even if you’re not into tucking in your pants, you can roll them up just a little above the top of the bootie, so you can still show off the zipper detail without tucking in. Or, wear them under pants so you don’t see the zipper, or even with a casual dress or skirt- with or without tights. These booties are so simple, which makes them incredibly versatile.

And even though they are simple, the metal of the zippers is enough to add to an outfit that is otherwise plain. I love wearing these with black skinny jeans and a black sweater. The metal breaks up the black on black on black, but is simple enough to keep the outfit minimalist chic.

In these photos, I’m wearing them with a comfy pair of skinny jeans from Forever 21 and a soft, slinky sweater from Aerie. It was a chilly day where I was, and the booties fit the sweater better than flats, tying in the two textured pieces but keeping them separate with the jeans. Fuzzy sweater, suede bootie, smooth denim- perfect!

Personally, I don’t think there is such a thing as too many ankle booties. You can have the basic versatile pair like these, a dressy pair with a heel, and a street friendly pair that’s more durable, usually leather, with a small chunky heel for support. They’ll all find their places in your closet, and they’ll take your fall fashion game to the next level without even trying.

Go ahead, find yourself a pair (or three) here.

The High-Low Skirt: Everyone’s Next Wardrobe Staple

by Danielle Flocco

The High-Low Skirt is going to be all the rage this fall, and I’ll tell you why- it is the best skirt for absolutely any woman. It is perfect for any body shape, it can be worn formal or casual, and best of all… prices start at just $15! It’s not very often that a versatile piece like this can fit anyone’s budget. It’s a win-win for you and your wallet, and you’re confidence will soar.

Amidst the movement for people to be more positive about their body, regardless of size, age, complexion, and so on, there’s no better time than now to introduce your wardrobe to something made for everyone. Most high low skirts are high waisted, which is great for adding length to your legs and showing off your shape. Plus, it only shows off from the knee down on one leg, so if you’re anything like me (read: shy), you’ll feel appropriately covered. It’s the perfect mix of sexy yet conservative.

It’s a great piece if you’re working on being more body positive since it will empower you and boost your confidence without taking you out of your comfort zone. You’ll be mostly covered, but still showing off. It’s the perfect introduction to loving yourself- it’ll show you all of your best assets and keep you comfortable. And for all of you who are already bold, it’ll bring that level of sophistication and sexiness that cannot be found in any other skirt. It’s great for showing an appropriate amount of leg for almost any setting, while still showing off everything you’re proud to be. This might be the only skirt that is for anybody and any body.

And, there’s really no wrong way to wear a high low skirt! Depending on your personal comfort level, you can tuck a shirt smoothly or blouse it over the waist a bit. Either way is cute and professional, perfect for the office or an evening out. For fall, complementary colored tights can be added for extra warmth that won’t take away from the awesome leg line the angle of the skirt will give you.

Because of the length and angle of the skirt, regular flats are not a good shoe to pair with it. But, ankle booties and pumps are both great options, and the choice between the two can be made depending on where you’re going.

I have two favorite styles to wear with the high low skirt. First, is the very professional and office friendly outfit. Pairing the skirt with a nice blouse, tucked in just a bit at the waist, will give you the long leg line while keeping your torso separate from your lower body. Throw on a pair of pumps and you’re ready to lead your next meeting! Second is more of a fall evening at an art gallery look. I like to tuck a long sleeve turtle neck sweater smoothly into the skirt, creating a continuous line in my body from shoulder to ankle. This look works great if you’re trying to create the illusion of a long body line from top to bottom. Pair some plain tights with your favorite pair of ankle booties, and you’ve got a sophisticated yet comfortable vibe.

High low skirts start for around $15 on Amazon and come in a variety of colors. I suggest black and charcoal for starters, and then diving into the more bold colors. Or, splurge on yourself and get a bunch! Either way, get this versatile piece in your wardrobe and start feeling your absolute best.

I purchased the one shown for myself and it is very good quality for a great price, so here’s the link to my new staple: http://amzn.com/B00ZYUGLPO

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