And so it goes my friends… The cooler breezes of autumn are blowing the 
leaves off the trees and forcing us into warmer attire. In order to keep away the biting winds, many of us turn to the tried and true: A scarf. But, what seriously befuddles me is the notion that a colored skinny rat’s tail-like fluff of fabric is any means to keep the breeze at bay… Perhaps many of you are fa
miliar with the scarf I am describing – to label it a chic accessory is serious oversight, however to perhaps equate it to a dead muppet is more apropos and entirely accurate. I see women all over town donning these flimsy polyester fuzz tails around thier necks and I have to tell you that it absolutely horrifies me. A scarf does two things: 1. keeps you warm – (therefore cashmere and wool make sense where as poly-whatever does not) and 2. Brings an outfit together/adds interest to a heavy woolen coat. The barfy boa accessory I am discussing does none of the above.
So, what shall we replace these atrocious gnarled nooses with? Pashminas are fabulous investments and come in a plethora of colors that will suit a variety of skin tones and compliment many-a-jacket or coat. Pashminas are wonderful because they are large enough to not only swath around your neck, but also to throw over your shoulders once the jacket has come off. Stick with cashmere since it will keep you the warmest.
While it may seem unlikely silk scarves are 
quite warm as well despite their thin-ness. Try this season’s hottest look – a pattern – paisley is nice – and don’t be afaid of wrapping it in BIG loose bundle around your neck as Nicole is pictured right - The bigger the better with these babies! The best part? They make a basic tee and jeans look fab once the outwear gets tossed.
Tagged as:
boascarves,
hownottowearascarf,
nicolerichieinascarf,
pashminas,
rachelbilsoninascarf
Last Thursday our favorite Atlanta Housewives on Bravo bid us all adieu as 
they ended another season. Along with all the catfighting and major ‘tude Sheree also debuted her highly anticipated (?) line “She By Sheree” fashion collection. The real question is, who did the better fashion line this season – Sheree or Lisa? My rants were evident in a past posting when I clearly admitted my dismay after viewing the cheap, unstylish looks presented at Lias’s unprofessional show. So, I was a little curious as to how Sheree’s final show would come together…. And, I was pleasantly surprised. The collection was a cohesive grouping of lush platinum silks and fabulously chunky accessories. My personal favorite was the nickel jumpsuit with pretty pleating and an easy flow to the leg. A piece such as that would be appropriate throughout the year and could be dressed up or down with a swap of accessories. Where can I buy one?!
What else was great about the show? The styling. Thanks to buddy Dwight – hair and make-up was not only pretty and edgy it was also the perfect compliment to the pretty clothes that featured the very current structured shoulder. What’s more is that Sheree’s show was a true “Fashion Show” my girl didn’t clutter the stage with inappropriate furniture but instead kept it professional and chic with a long runway and her logo subtly lit up in the back.
Tagged as:
realhousewivesofatlantafashionline,
shebysheree,
shereejumpsuit
Tsk! Tsk! What a bad blogger I am! I will not provide excuses… Even though I have some good ones… and will instead cut to the chase and chat about my favorite subject – CLOTHES!
If following the fashion trends isn’t your “thing” you may not realize that fur is a big-time must have this season. Never fear though, you don’t have to worry about spending $1000’s on the real McCoy – faux pieces are wonderful alternatives and when choosen with a discriminating eye look quite good and add just the right oomph to your fall skinnies or black legging staples.
There are BAD faux fur pieces out there though – in fact, stylist to the stars
Rachel Zoe designed her own line for QVC which in one word can be described as “awful”. Rachel is known for her love of fur – if you watch her show, you’ll see her swinging around the studio of fashion great J. Mendel in some fab-o coat or jacket that she just “dies” over. However her line does not reflect the fine craftmanship nor the stylish structure of any new or vintage fuzzie she dons on the show.
So where can you find a more natural looking fur vest that won’t leave you in the poor house?! Hop on over to Summit Mall or the nearest Express to you! This brown zip up is super cute and will be cozy too and costs a mere $98.00. Wear your’s with a 
black cashmere turtleneck, leggings, and to-the-knee equestrian boots or try with a boho paisley dress and thick brown tights. Need some extra warmth and a stylish new layer to your favorite coat? Don the vest
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3034061?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_pla=outerwear:women:vest&cm_ite=damselle_faux_lynx_fur_vest:264289&cm_ven=Linkshare&siteId=J84DHJLQkR4-RdE8tXH5Hfa_EFAnfrTmFQ
under a puffer coat or even your favorite woolen peacoat. Finish with hair in a pony and some vintage-y looking earrings. Skip the way they styled it to the right – a gray crew neck and jeans is WAY boring and doesn’t make a style statement at all. Stick to all one color underneath or a cool solid tunic with a pretty ruffled collar instead – Cream might be a nice option as well! Need another idea? Hit up
Nordstrom! This feisty animal print vest is chic and fun – but better suited for the more adventurous. This particular look is styled up nicely and would also be fabulous (and stand out more) with all black beneath! Price? A sweet $98 too! Can’t beat it!
Olivia Palermo
Ok, I have never been a huge fan of “The Hills” and when Whitney branched out with her new show “The City” I was not thrilled, especially since I never found her to be particularly fashionable. So, needless to say, I didn’t tune in last season, BUT last night when flighting to find sleep I happened upon the first “The City” episode of the season where former DVF intern (?) Olivia has now “POOF” become accessories Editor of one of my favorite glossies Elle Magazine. (A rather plum job if I do say so myself). Anyway I was thoroughly engrossed whenever Olivia hit the screen as I pretended to live vicariously through her as she scampered across the streets of NYC trying to find some cheap chic looks for an upcoming Today Show segment. But it wasn’t just what she was doing that had me jealous, it was her FABULOUS wardrobe! My goodness can this girl dress (It helps that she’s a stick and gorgeous).
Oversized Scarf
So, I have now found a new style muse and will definitely be tuning in week after week to acquire a bit of inspiration. What did I love last night? Fabulous paper-bag like shorts with an oversized psuedo safari like loose tunic finished with an AWESOMELY gigantic subtly printed scarf in the same putty like shade swathed generously around her tiny neck. Please note though, her look is not for everyone. While I LOVE her flowy tunics, they aren’t meant for non-willowy creatures like myself (and the vast majority)… Sometimes too much flow creates a non-shape and the illusion of extra bulk. So, never forget proportion rules… While Olivia’s tall lanky frame can handle billowy shorts and shirts worn together the average Joe should try one larger shape with something more fitted. Try a tunic for instance with skinny jeans or leggings. Or wide leg pants/shorts with a fitted tank worn under a cardigan sweater that hits a few inches below the “bottom line” and add a waist line with a mid-width belt.
Tagged as:
billowclothing,
oliviaonthecity,
oversizedscarf,
proportion,
thecityonmtv,
tunic
by Jane on September 23, 2009 · 0 comments
in Accessories, Coats/Jackets, Cold Weather Options, Fashion Essentials, Jewelry, Platforms, boots, cheap chic, handbags, shoes
I read recently, that a stylish gal opted to wear the same dress for ONE full year but switched things up a bit by layering jackets, sweaters, turtlenecks, belts, and other accessories to change the look up COMPLETELY! I must say, after viewing her “diary” of looks it was hard to recognize her LBD as the same in most of the pics! While I am certainly not insinuating to wear the same exact dress every single day, I do want to share some different ways of styling up a basic so that you can get extra mileage out of it during the work week when that dreaded “I have nothing to wear” hits you square in the face.
I have selected a very plain but full of style black tunic dress that would work on just about every body type but can be changed up easily with the swapping of a flat to a heel and a slouchy sweater to a fuzzy faux fur vest. All items featured can be found at www.revolveclothing.com
Tagged as:
booties,
clutch,
fauxfurvest,
furvest,
hobobag,
littleblackdress,
overthekneeboots,
revolveclothing.com,
slouchysweater
What is the deal with EVERYONE thinking that they are capable of designing a fashionable, stylish, and en pointe clothing line!? It started with the “singers” of the world – Jessica Simpson, JLo, The Duff Girls, etc… Then, the celebutantes stepped up to the plate with Paris designing (ugly) shoes, Nicky Hilton doing a full line (hideous), Nicole Ritchie with (cool) jewelry, and Lindsay Lohen with her line of leggings. So, now who’s left? Why the 
reality TV stars of course who think that their ranting, backstabbing, and drama filled lives make them acceptable fashion designers. Who am I speaking of? My favorite gals on the Real Housewives of Atlanta of course. For those of you who haven’t tuned in this season, the lovely Lisa has added designer to her resume and just organized her first show a couple of weeks ago. My opinion? The collection was BEYOND awful. The color selection was all off, the excessive ruffs, ruching, and fabric were all 
unattractive, not to mention, unflattering, the hems weren’t finished, and bottom line? Everything looked completely cheap and dated. While I realize Lisa is trying to keep her line reasonably priced, the present price point she is offering is entirely too high for the low quality products she has on the market. While I like Lisa on the show, I must admit her sense of style is a bit off. I can’t honestly say that I am ever envious of her ensembles BUT, I would mind borrowing one of her oversized designer handbags.
One other side note… It doesn’t take a fashion show first row’er to know that a runway should be void of furniture or other in-the-way decor. Lisa exemplified her unsophisticated eye yet again when she cluttered the “stage” with couches, chairs, and tables. The point of a fashion show people is to SHOW THE FASHIONS, not get a sneak peek of the latest in home furnishings.
Hopefully Sheree will get her butt in gear this season and show us what she’s made of. I will be tuning in!
Tagged as:
celbrityfashionline,
lisawuhartwellfashionline,
realhousewivesofatlanta,
realityshowfashionline
toryburch
I knew the second I saw Miley Cyrus rocking out buckled black Tory Burch Biker boots that this was a must have for the season. While I don’t find much fashion inspiration in the wardrobe of Ms. Cyrus, I did LOVE those boots though, and still do in fact and now have this item on my fall shopping list. The buckled variety aren’t the only pair that will work this season.
Perhaps a suede pair with subtle silver grommets or rivets is more you
r speed than a sturdy biker babe look – well that will work too! How to wear ‘em? I love these cuties with leggings and a long tunic, or with a fabulously flirty ruffled skirt and basic ribbed tank – don’t forget the shrunken leather biker jacket to keep it all together.
Where to buy? Steven Madden has some affordable pairs (an example is the shoe featured right) that will help you to achieve this rough/tough look for less ($150) while you can find the real McCoy (AKA Tory Burch’s masterpiece) on shirise.com for $550.00
Tagged as:
bikerbooties,
bootieswithgrommets,
toryburchbikerboots
I talk a lot about what all you fashionable ladies should wear, but what about the style saavy gentlemen in your life. This fall reverting back to the old classics is the way to go. Perhaps the male muse of the season is prepped up Brad from The Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo TV. Like his stylish sidekick Taylor, Brad should be watched for the terrific way he puts ultra-conservative pieces together to create a fresh new look.
What are the key pieces? For those who know Brad, we must start with the bowtie. While previously these neck adornments were nerdy and nutty professor-ish these days a bowtie looks fresh when paired with a leather bomber or a cotton twill sport coat with a hoodie worn beneath. Which brings me to the next must have – a layered sport coat worn as outerwear. I am seeing a lot of these jackets – designer and non – cropping up and they look terrific with jeans or more classic trousers. If you’re truly a fashiond dare devil finish you look with this season’s other trend donning fake black rimmed eyeglasses – think classic Ray-Bans without the dark lenses.
Tagged as:
bowtie,
bradonrachelzoe,
preppy,
rachelzoeproject
by Jane on September 3, 2009 · 0 comments
in Accessories, Fall Fashion, Fashion Essentials, Party Wear, Platforms, Shorts, Steals and Deals, bebe, belts, cheap chic, handbags, jeans, shoes
Going on a date? Chillin’ with some friends and hitting up a movie and a cup of joe, or maybe heading to an end of the season summer picnic? Perhaps this weekend is a good time to don the white pants for the last go ’round or maybe you want to pull out a brand new “fall” piece and debut it for all to admire. Whatever the case the following are some ideas in case you need some! Enjoy the holiday weekend!
So how, to wear the gems above? And more importantly, where can you buy these pieces? Look #1 is a sweet pink romper($35) paired with a wide strappy belt ($13) and finished with some fabulous metallic gold pumps with girly ruffs ($128). You can find all these pieces on lulus.com. Log on now and ask for over night delivery!
Look #2 features the season’s hottest denim trend – ripped and torn. I found these skinnies on forever21.com ($29) and finished the look with this sexy-sweet black ruffled halter from Bebe ($79). Be sure to go mile high and don some sweet stillettos to seal the deal. I love the dose of leopard on the platform that adds a little extra interest and spice. Find the shoe on bebe.com for $149.
The final look is all about sequins – again a fall must-have. Be not afraid to sparkle this season and don shorts, tops, or jackets in the shiny stuff. I totally dig this Chanel-inspired jacket ($385) found on intermixonline.com and would do it up right with the chiffon bow waistband shorts ($245). Keep the top beneath simple simon and don a simple white tee or tank – OR try something with a funky graphic. Skip ruffles or any other embellishment. The focus is on the jacket here. Punctuate the look with a colorful bootie that changes up the black and white palette. Who can resist these aubergine cuties with fuschia trim ($38)?! Get ‘em now on asos.com.
OH – and the floating bow bag?! Why that’s to go with everything! I love the boxy shape and the neutral toned bow – Absolutely gorge and will go with anything anytime of year – asos.com – $282.
Tagged as:
asos.com,
bebe.com,
chiffonshorts,
intermixonline.com,
jeffreycampbellshoes,
leopardplatforms,
lulus.com,
pinkbooties,
romper,
rufflehaltertop,
sequinsjacket,
tornskinnyjeans,
widebelt
I am mildly dismayed at the very fact that the weather this summer has kept me from donning the majority of my favorite flimsy tops, dresses, short skirts and shorts – Having only a handful of hot sultry summer nights to play with I unfortunately have neglected some pretty sweet ensembles and now, I fear that the Fall weather has already returned forcing me to turn back to my leather jackets, sweaters, tights, and boots! So, while I am on the subject, what are the hot items that are a a must for the brisk weather to come? 
With the economy the way it is many fashionable folks aren’t buying lots of new pieces this season, but instead bringin their look up to date with accessories. Tights are huge again this season but with more variety. While it’s not time to ditch the opaque thick ones you have probably amassed over the past year or so, it is time to pick up some shear versions as well. SKIP flesh toned hosiery but try black and for an extra ’80’s vibe kick it up with ones adorned with a sexy seam up the back or an interesting embellishment on the side.
Statement necklaces are also a MUST and will give your old stand by up a notch immediately. Invest in a truly awesome piece that will go with anything from denim to dresses – day to night. It’s ok to spend a tad more since 
you’ll be wearing it all the time – and the compliments that stream in will reinforce that you decision to buy was right on target. For a classic take, check out jcrew.co
m for some truly pretty pieces OR log onto topshop.com for a piece that’s is a bit more avante garde.
How bout shoes? Platforms are still taking center stage and look fab with tights but the BIG thing that’s getting everyone’s goat are the over-the-knee boots. These fab-o boots will be a hit over leggings, and worn with short dresses.
Leggings are still hot and look great with this season’s hot structured shoulder tops. For a switch up instead of the liquid leggings you were attached to in ‘08 try a shiny spandex version instead – think 1980’s leotard material. They are comfy and look great at night worn with a tunic or chunkalicious sweater.
Structured shoulders are a trend worth investing in too. Try a cool top to start (rather than a dress) and tuck it into a sexy pencil skirt, high waist denim, or skinny black trousers. 
If sparkle is just your speed you’ll love the sequins trend this season. Do your sequins with denim to tone it down a bit and don’t be afraid to wear it to a more casual event or party. Sequins is the new t’shirt so to speak so rock it out and be the next Liberace who walks into the room.
Tagged as:
leggings,
musthavesfall2009,
overthekneeboots,
sequinstop
