Sick of looking like everyone else?  Looking for a new way to express yourself with your wardrobe?  Then invest some time in vintage shopping.  And when I say invest, I mean it.  Vintage shopping takes a lot of patience, profound editing skills, and beneath it all a great eye and innate sense of style.  Scared yet? 

A plethora of websites these days are dedicated to all things vintage – clothing, accessories, shoes – etc… the great thing though is that these sites have all been edited by a pristine eye leaving only the creme de la creme to choose from as opposed to digging through dusty piles at your local goodwill.

Of course there is a price to pay for this service – garments are typically a little pricier than the $.25 find at the Village Thrift but you will be guaranteed an ensemble that will be hard to duplicate. Take this beaded frock from the 80’s for instance that has loads of appeal and ‘tude… If it was my size I would snatch it up (psst… $225.00)! 

My favorite site for the old and the new these days is www.nastygalvintage.com.  The site is chock full of the sweetest threads vintage and new (but with a vintage feel).  I am partial to these fabulous buckled up beauties featured right, that have a distinct Tory Burch feel without the sting of the pricetag.

Sunglasses and other accessories are fab on this site as well and won’t rob your bank account.  Since the flat top sunglasses of the 80’s are hot to trot right now try out a pair yourself to really get the edge going!  I am dying over these gold edged pretties featured left that would be great all year round.

It’s time to begin thinking about what to wear for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday!  As most of you know, I am a big proponent of dressing up for any sort of occassion and find the holidays the perfect time glam it up.  Why don sweats and tee’s over to Gram’s house when you can feel pretty in a warm autumnal hued short dress with a pretty beaded cardigan OR feel trendy chic in a pair of sequins leggins with a draped tunic.  When you dress up you not only feel better about yourself, you are also respecting your host/hostess who has gone to a lot of trouble creating a wonderful get together for you.  The images featured left are some inspirational pieces to think about before next Thursday!  Gobble gobble!

Dresses: Try a pretty frock in a deeper shade like magenta, goldenrod, or navy and don’t forget to perk it up with textured tights, booties, and some fabulous accessories.  Think clanky bangles, oversized button earrings, or a huge statement necklace in burnished bronze. (all dresses available at Lulus.com

Skirts: I am totally digging skirts at the moment and LOVE pairing something really frou with a basic tee or tank finished with a fem fleur at the neck.  Finish the look with a sweet leather jacket or denim fitted number.  For more comfort finish the look with a rounded ballet flat or don a pretty high heeled sandal with bow or sequins embellishment.  (Cage skirt: asos.com, gold wrap: lulus.com, tiered mesh: forever21.com)

Cardigans: It’s chilly out for heaven’s sake and not everyone will have their heat jacked up!  Invest in a sequins cardi that will liven up a dress, skirt or pants! (gold: forever21.com, black: asos.com)

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 familiar 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.

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

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.

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

toryburch

Perhaps a suede pair with subtle silver grommets or rivets is more your 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

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.

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.

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.com 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.