For as long as I can remember, I’ve been OBSESSED with funky and fun coats and jackets. Shockingly, I probably own more jackets than I do shoes or bags- so if there is a coat trend I am most definitely on top of it.

For F/W 2020 it’s all about wrapping yourself in comfort so it makes sense that Sherpa and Shearling are at the top of the list.

The two fabrics have a similar look and are often confused but here is a basic breakdown:

Shearling- The term ‘shearling’ describes a lamb that has had only one shearing. A shearling sheepskin is the skin of a shearling lamb that’s tanned, processed, and dyed with the wool still intact. This creates a suede or leather material with a soft wool on the opposite side. Because the wool is still attached to the skin, shearling is a fur product but you can purchase faux versions. Shearling lambskin leather is used in luxury coats, jackets hats, gloves, and more.

Sherpa- Sherpa is a fabric made from polyester (fleece), acrylic, or cotton and is sometimes called ‘faux shearling,’ named for its resemblance to the wool-lined clothing worn by the Sherpa people of Nepal. Sherpa mimics the bumpy texture of sheep’s wool. The faux-sheepskin fabric is often used to line coats or jackets, or to construct sweater, because it performs wonderfully in freezing temperatures. The dense pile of the lightweight material insulates against the cold without bulk, for a high-performance alternative to fur or sheepskin. Sherpa is also used for blankets, mittens, hats, boots, and slippers.

Both of these textiles are cold weather favorites- they are cozy and soft, provide warmth and a touch of luxury.

I’ve slowly started to hoard shearling and sherpa pieces (and the faux variety) over the last year. They give off an easy rancher retro vibe that is effortlessly chic.  They can be both edgy and boho- in the immortal words of Donny and Marie “a little bit country and a little bit rock  ‘n roll“.  I especially love the fabric when it lines a denim or leather jacket.

This trend is truly for everybody- seriously ANYONE can wear it. You can go full fluffy with a jacket that showcases your sherpa-love on the oustide not just as lining or slowly dip your toes in the trend with shaggy collars and cuffs adorning denim and leather. Short or long, oversized paired with denim or fitted embellishing leather adding that sherpa/shearling touch to your wardrobe is a MUST season. It will keep you feeling toasty and looking chic.

What I’m Wearing: Tenth Street Pont Des Hat | Madewell Sherpa Cocoon Coat | Vintage Saddle Bag | MODCLOTH Blouse | Zara Skirt | HUE Tights | Vintage Belt| Boots

Click to SHOP Shearling and Sherpa Coats:

Have you ever been so excited about something that you totally geeked out, I mean completely and totally nerded out over it?  Well, that was me this week as I walked into the brand new Lip Lab by BITE at Fashion Show.

Here’s a little back story… I am a BIG fan of lipstick. There is just something about lipstick that can turn your whole day (and look) around. I am also a BIG fan specifically of BITE’s Lipsticks, if they aren’t on your radar yet prepare to fall in love.

BITE was born with a singular idea: create a lipstick that is remarkably different. They use good-enough-to-eat all natural ingredients like fruit and vegetable extracts and pigments making them a fantastic cruelty free, clean, plant based company. Equally as awesome as what’s in their products is what’s NOT in their products!  NO parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals, phthalates and all products are gluten-free.

Susanne Langmuir, the founder and driving force behind BITE believes “You eat what you put on your lips, so lipstick should be good for you”!

Lip Lab takes BITE one step further into the arena of Bespoke Beauty.

At Lip Lab you create your own lipstick!  Yes that’s right, from shade to finish, scent and even the name!  What you create is totally unique to you!

Lip Lab by BITE features the brand’s state-of-the-art rapid heating and cooling technologies, as well as high-speed centrifuges to blend each artisanal creation 2,500 times in 5 seconds – all to achieve the perfect lipstick in both performance and feel.  The lipsticks are made while you wait and you leave the lab with your creation.

The process begins with designing a shade.

You can choose from classic lipstick color families (nude, pink, red) or something edgier, like blue or black.

Next, customers can select a finish: matte, satin, sheer or a sparkly finish that Bite dubs “luminous.” Then add a flavor — choose from fruity, floral or fresh.

Your Lip Lab artist will then custom blend a few different options in the desired shade range for you to try on so that you can find your perfect custom colour.

Once you have your shade perfected the artist will create your bespoke lipstick. I made two, an orangey-red for everyday and a pink-red for the holidays.

Next, your formula is measured out, heated and blended in the high-speed centrifuge before it is poured into a mold.

Once in the mold, it is placed on the cooling deck to set.

When cool it is removed from the mold and placed in a tube.

And finally, you “name it and engrave it,” stamping your custom lippy with the moniker of your choice.

I went with “Skinny Marg” for my lime flavored orangey-red shade and “Santa’s Comin’ to Town” for my mint flavored pink-red.

Bite will keep your “recipe” on file and can mix it up again on demand.

This was such a fun process- I could have stayed there all day mixing shades like a mad makeup scientist!

I highly recommend you try it for yourself- I mean who doesn’t want their own bespoke lipstick that they get to name!

If you don’t feel like making your own Lip Lab has created a special shade exclusively for Fashion Show which is available for purchase.

To celebrate the Grand Opening Nov. 6th, guests will receive 15% off when booking with code WELCOME15 (offer ends November 30,2020)

Reserve your spot at Vegas.LipLabBoutique.com 

Lip Lab by BITE is located at Fashion Show on the upper level near Tiffany & Co.

*This post was created in partnership with Fashion Show. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Leather jackets are undeniably one of my most favorite things in my closet. No matter if it’s a moto jacket, blazer or classic biker jacket you can’t help but feel instantly cool and get those “Bad Sandy” vibes from the end of Grease when you slip one on.

There is a reason that leather jacket’s have been a closet staple for decades. Leather is one of the hardest wearing materials out there – durable as outerwear and looks better with age…when it’s taken care of, that is.

Caring for your leather jacket is actually really easy and doesn’t take much time. Just a few minutes of care and proper storage will  ensure your leather jacket has a long, healthy life.

PROTECT IT

If you’re purchasing leather goods that don’t come pre-treated with a protective seal, you should apply one yourself. You should reapply a leather protector at least once a year or more often if your jacket is frequently exposed to harsh weather.

CONDITION IT

Leather conditioner (like hair conditioner) is meant to soften and protect—but it’s not always a necessary step for brand-new jackets, which are usually made from soft, thin leather. For a very sturdy and stiff leather (think vintage motos) a leather conditioner would help to keep it soft. You should condition your jacket every 3-6 months and after every time you clean it. This will keep your jacket from getting dry and cracking.

CLEANING

Saddle Soap which used to clean leather saddles is a great thing to know about. This will help you clean your jacket and remove stubborn stains. A little bit goes a long way; to use it, you’ll rub a damp rag in a circular motion on the soap, which comes in a tin, until a lather forms, then use the lather to clean your leather goods. After cleaning, it’s really important to remove all the saddle soap residue from the leather by rinsing the rag very well, wringing it out so that it’s just damp, and thoroughly wiping the soap away. Finally, saddle soap should only be used in cases where your leather really needs a deep cleaning; for regular cleaning and maintenance, leather conditioner is what you want.  If you don’t trust yourself to clean it on your own seek out a leather care expert to clean it for you.

WEARING

Remember that leather stretches – avoid cramming your pockets full of things like keys and lipsticks as this can stretch the leather into unusual shapes. Always apply perfume and hairspray before you put your jacket on. These products contain alcohol which can stain the leather.

STORING

Storing your leather jacket properly will prevent many problems. Use a wide sturdy hanger to support the weight of your jacket. Jackets should be stored in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. Avoid any location that has excessive moisture-even a closet near a bathroom. If you are concerned about dust, cover the jacket with a cloth garment bag or cotton sheet. NEVER store it in a plastic bag that could trap moisture and promote mildew.

What I’m Wearing: Ralph Lauren Leather Jacket | Vintage Belt| Vintage Bag | Donald Pliner Velvet Boot | TOPSHOP Dress | Vintage Bag |

Click to SHOP Leather Supplies and Jackets:

We admire them for their joie de vivre because being effortlessly chic and sophisticated just seems to come naturally to French girls.

The clothes, the food, the wine, the attitude! It’s that whole vibe that French girl’s have which we are constantly chasing. So it’s no wonder the Parisiennes’ signature low-key aesthetic also extends to the way they style their hair. It may look effortless but we all know looking like you “haven’t” tried requires a lot of time (and product).

What’s the secret to getting tres chic tousled tresses? How to get chic French girl hair? Luckily for us Francophiles there is no need to travel abroad to learn these secrets, we have a brand new spot right here in Las Vegas at Fashion Show, created by our own un expert en cheveux a la française, Signature Salon by Claude Baruk.

If you have been binging Emily in Paris and longing to add a dash of French chic to your look, this is the place to get that effortlessly well-coiffed (or should I say de-coiffed) cut, colour and style like a French girl.

I sat in Claude’s chair to get a taste of the French Girl hair experience with one of his expert blow-outs and we chatted about how to get chic French girl hair.

Three Secrets to French Girl Hair from the Expert Himself, Claude Baruk

Un- “In France we love the natural. The “not styled” effect, but styled. It may take you a bit of time in front of the mirror but the final effect should be that you didn’t spend any time on it. We call it négligé. It should look very natural and say ‘I didn’t have time to do my hair’ but it’s perfect.  It’s the French version of  ‘I woke up like this’.”

Deux- “The French love quality hair products. Kerastase is extremely famous in France which we carry in the salon, but the French also love niche brands.  There are a few of these niche brands that I love that will be coming to the US market soon, that my salon will be able to help you discover like Mon Shampoing and from the South of France Vegetalement Provence.  Both product lines are cruelty free, clean beauty comprised of organic botanical ingredients. ”

Trois- “Balayage is a signature French girl hair technique. Balayage is a French word meaning ‘to sweep’ or ‘to paint’. It allows for a sun-kissed natural-looking hair colour, similar to what nature gives us as children. Rather than dyeing the hair with one single lighter colour, there are two shades, and one is always slightly darker. This gives that true Parisian vibe.”

Get the Look

Signature Salon is offering a really cool concept. Not only can you come in and experience any service including cut, colour,  Kerastase hair treatments (I got one and my hair has never looked healthier), blowouts, cold fuse extensions and hotheads tape-in extensions- you can also sign up for a membership program.  The program has three tiers: Club Signature, Fashion Signature and Carre VIP Signature. Each membership comes with it’s own perks like free blowouts, discounts on salon services, discounts on products and free root touch ups!

Signature Salon by Claude Baruk is open Mon-Sat from 11am to 8pm and Sun 11am- 7pm at Fashion Show directly across from California Pizza Kitchen. Call 702.476.4882 for an appointment or walk-ins are welcome.

*This post was created in partnership with Fashion Show. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Typically you think of a Kimono Jacket as a sheer Spring/Summer piece but Kimono Jackets are the Fall wardrobe piece you didn’t know you needed.

Kimono Jackets (sometimes called duster coats) are the ultimate chic layering piece. They instantly add “model-off-duty- cool” to a jeans and t-shirt look, give off luxe boho vibes when layered with a dress and elevate even the most basic look.  Pair a feminine, floral duster with frayed jeans for a high-low look, or use a heavier wool version as a topper piece over office essentials. Either way, this easy slip on layering must-have will make you feel oh so elegant.

To rock a kimono this Fall you’ll want to look for ones in darker shades with a heavier weight to them- save the sheer breezy ones for summer.  Think velvet, wool, suedette, denim, silk and doubled lined styles. Trust me, this is one of the most versatile items you can have in your closet, you can literally wear them with EVERYTHING!

Johnny Was is the master of Fall/Winter Kimono’s they create some of the most beautiful ones around and of course Free People always has gorgeous ones.  Etsy also has some great shops where you can find some really unique vintage and handmade styles.

What I’m Wearing: Solitaire Floral Suedette Open front Kimono Jacket | Julia Jordon Midi Dress | Free People Boots | Ramy Brook Fringe Bag |Vintage Belt|

Click to SHOP Fall Kimono Jackets: