Cathy Phillips Fashion

December 26, 2011

Playing Dress Up for the New Year

Whether you're staying in with your husband, having a dinner party with friends or hitting up the hottest gala in the city, you should always ring in the new year with some added style to set the tone for the year to come.

Casual New Year. If you're planning a casual evening, try pairing some brightly colored pants with a sparkly top. You'll be comfy yet festive.

(1) Dark Star Sequin Popover Top from J. Crew (2) Red Paige Denim Legging Pants (3) Sequin Isabel Sweatshirt from J. Crew (4) Blue Velvet Flared Pants from Bloomingdale's

New Year Dinner Party. Play dress up in a bold skirt or flowy dress for your New Years dinner party for a fun, but not too over-the-top, look.

(1) Fringed Lace Top from Anthropologie (2) Metallic Skirt from TopShop (3) Vintage Inspired Dress from Mango

Cocktail Party. The mini skirts and sequins on these dresses make them perfect for New Years and the long sleeves make them practical for a cold December night. Pair them up with tights and booties and a fur topper to keep extra warm.

(1) Aiden Mattox Long Sleeve Sequin Dress (2) Tadashi Shoji Sequin Ombre Dress

Black Tie New Year. The ultimate opportunity for dress up. If you're attending a black tie gala for new years, the sky's the limit. Go for sparkle, shine, bold colors and embellishments in a long number paired with high heels

(1) Aiden Mattox Long Sleeve Sequin Gown (2) Aiden Mattox Beaded Halter Gown

December 12, 2011

Shopping for Winter Coats

I recently talked about how I like to add at least one new pair of boots to my shoe wardrobe each season and I feel the same way about coats. During the winter months, I spend so much time in coats that I like to have options so I don't feel like I'm wearing the same thing every day. But contrary to how I feel about boots, I don't necessarily love coats. They often feel kind of boxy or boring and they hide my outfit! So, I'm always on the look out for interesting, colorful and fun coats. Here are a few of my favorite styles this winter.

1. Stand Collar: A stand collar is a fun, easy way to put a shot of today’s trends in your coat wardrobe. This coat will keep you stylish and snuggly. (pictured: Empire Coat from Mango)

2. Notch Collar: This classic coat is a smart stylish staple to keep in your coat wardrobe. To get a modern look, find this coat with unique details such as a ruffle notch collar, and you’ll be set for the winter. (pictured: Wool Maxi Coat from TopShop)

3. Classic Pea Coat: This coat is a great option for a casual weekend look. Keep your outfit simple and classic when wearing this coat to maintain its all-American look. (pictured: LL Bean Harvest Wool Pea Coat)

4. Cape: Capes and capelets were seen on all the runways for the winter. A coat this chic was made for a fashionista. You can wear it anywhere, from shopping with the girls to a chic party. (pictured: Hooded Cape from TopShop)

5. Faux Fur: Fur is back in full force, and can now be found in animal-friendly faux versions. Find a fur coat in a classic style, or a trendy one with unique details. When wearing a fur coat, keep your winter accessories fur-free. (pictured: Faux Fur Sleeve Wool Coat from TopShop)

6. Puffer Coat: Puffer coats are here to stay, and can now be found in bright attention-catching colors, with cute details, and in new styles. This coat with a contemporary take is great for having a fun day in the snow. (pictured: Relaxed Fit Anorak from Mango)

November 28, 2011

Holiday Gift Guide

It's time to start gift shopping for the holidays! Here are some of my favorite options for her, for him, for kids and for the home.

1. PJ Salvage Polka Dot Robe, $90 What gal doesn't love a stylish and cozy robe to snuggle up in during the winter months?

2. Eberjey's Cat's Meow Playsuit, $75 This romper is a fun combination of sweet, sophisticated and sexy.

3. Tokyo Bay "Claire" Pendant, Proper Topper, $73 I love giving unique jewelry, like this watch on a necklace

4. Vera Bradley Hanging Travel Organizer, $48 I (and all of my sisters!) travel with this fun Vera Bradley bag. You can pick your favorite print and add some colorful whimsy to your travels. Added bonus - you can easily fit tons of products in here!

5. Ugg Slipper, $100 My feet are always cold so I love a good slipper to pad around in during the winter.

6. Michael Kors Croc Embossed Tote, $398 There's nothing sexier than a man who gifts a woman with a stylish handbag.

7. Rosette Box Clutch, $108 This clutch will be perfect to carry on New Year's Eve

1. Vintage Leather Flask, The Hour Shop, $80 Men always love gifts related to alcohol. The leather and gold on this flask is so manly.

2. Charles Dickens Leather Bound Classics, $18 Entertain the man in your life with a gift that's intellectual and good looking.

3. Thomas Pink Cuff Links, $130 I love a man in cuff links.

4. High Definition Headphones, $299.95 Give these to your honey and you won't have to listen to his music anymore.

5. TOMS, $53.95 These wool TOMS are perfect for the holiday season.

6. Michael Kors Watch, $250 A great watch is a classic gift for men. Give him a stylish one that he wouldn't pick out for himself.

7. Thomas Pink Socks, $25 A great stocking stuffer to get him out of the same old black socks he wears every day.

1. Kids Little Creatures Red Suede, $79 I'm obsessed with these little boots.

2. Cubebot, Proper Topper, $30 This wooden robot can be turned and twisted in tons of ways. Almost as much fun for adults as kids!

3. Razor Jr. Lil' Kick Scooter, $35 Any kid would love scootin' around on this scooter.

4. Constructive Eating Utensil Set, $17.50 These are great for kids who love to play with their food.

5. Stuffed Animals, $38 These stuffed animals are so cool.

6. Little Packrats Dino Backpack, Proper Topper, $38 The dinosaur on this lunch box has his own mask to wear. So fun.

7. I Had a Favorite Dress book, $16.95 Love this book about a budding fashion plate.

1. Kitchen Magic Spiral Whisk, $8; Yaritza Apron, $38 These are great for your favorite chef. Who says you can't be stylish while you cook?

2. Script and Posy Dinnerware, $10-$18 A great gift for your favorite hostess.

3. Stump Teapot, Tabletop DC, $24 I love how this adds some color to the kitchen, where most appliances are black and silver.

4. Multi-Color Bangle Frame, $19.95 Great frame at a great price.

5. Gold Trim Pitcher Set, set of 7, The Hour Shop, $220 The Hour has so many cool vintage cocktail items, it's a great source for men, women and hostesses.

November 11, 2011

Shopping for Boots

If you know me at all, you know I live for boots in the fall. I usually add one new pair of boots to my collection each season, often after Christmas when things start to go on sale, but if you can't wait, check out these fabulous options from a story I styled in today's Express paper (pick up your copy at any metro station today!). This season, I'm really into booties and am on the hunt for the perfect pair of black, wedge ankle booties that I can pair with leggings and skinny jeans as an alternative to all of my knee high boots. Which ones are your favorite?

Bettye Muller Bootie, Sassanova, $295

1. Inkwood Riding Boot, Anthropologie $268

2. Lilly Bee's Convertible Riding Boots, Simply Soles $295

3. Kara Brown Fur Lined Boots, Zelaya Shoes $275

4. Lace Up Boots by Coconuts, ShoeFly $99

5. Hiking Inspired Booties, Anthropologie, $458

6. Couleur Poupre Ruffled Booties, ShoeFly $189

1. Beverly Feldman Rosette Boots, Periwinkle $425

2. Delman Flannel Riding Boots, Shoe Hive $595

3. Kickers Booties, ShoeFly $168

4. Galina Ankle Boots, Anthropologie $398

5. Chie Mihara Flower Bootie, Zelaya Shoes $395

6. Tsubo High Heeled Booties, Carbon $229

7. Sam Edelman Fringe Boot, Zelaya Shoes $195

8. Red Tory Burch Riding Boots, Sassanova $495

October 28, 2011

Fabulous Halloween!

Still looking for a last minute costume idea for this weekend? Try emulating one of your favorite fashion icons! It's hard to be stylish while dressed in a goofy costume, these ideas will keep you looking fashionable and still be appropriate for the costume party. Bonus: you may have many of these items already in your closet!

Costume Idea 1: Anna Wintour. This Vogue editor who inspired the boss in The Devil Wears Prada can always be seen in her large sunnies, fur and fabulous heels. You'll really pull the look off if you can find a blond bob wig to mimic her iconic hair style.

Look like Ann Wintour by throwing a fur jacket over your shoulders and wrap dress and adding fabulous heels, large sunglasses and a blond bob wig.

Costume Idea 2: Rachel Zoe. This stylist also loves fur and large sunglasses as well as sky high heels, wide leg pants and Starbucks. She also has a signature hair style in her wavy blonde locks.

One of Rachel's favorites is the fur vest. Layer it over a silk blouse, wide leg jeans, and the tallest heels you can find. Carry around an empty Starbucks cup and say things like "That is bananas!" and "I die" and no one will wonder who you are.

Have fun and be safe this weekend!

October 17, 2011

Handbag Envy

There's nothing that elevates your outfit more than a great handbag. The number one place for women to splurge is on the bag. I'd much rather see you all carrying a well made, stylish handbag with a Target dress than visa versa. I don't know about you, but every season, I crave a new handbag (I currently have my eye on this Tory Burch - I love the color!); it's the simplest way to change your overall look for the new season because you can carry it every day.

Below is a story I styled for the Washington Post Express paper - read on for the hottest handbag trends for fall.