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)

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

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 stumbled across a website recently that for me, is PURE eye candy.  The premise behind the site is to feature  street fashions from around the world and showcases fashionable Euros, South Americans, North Americans and every where in between.  There were so many styles that provided me with a muse to emulate before checking out my closet on this day, however I only selected a singular look  to show off on this post and thought it only appropriate to help you, dear readers, find some similar items so that you resemble a chic style icon from a culture outside of your comfort zone.

So I begin with the lovely brunette above from one of my favorite countries, both known for its steadfast style and bourgeois attitude, France.   There are a lot of different components to this particular look that have been thrown together but still work – there’s a little Western influence (think SW US) in the cropped cowboy bootie, a bit of Brit seen in the red military style jacket, and of course a generous portion of prettied-up Parisian with an accordion pleated, romantic slip dress. 

STEAL IT!

The cowboy booties are a Steve Madden find and cost about $150… Not a bad price especially since you’ll be wearing these babies ALL the time.  Don’t forget to don your black tights – if you still don’t have any I like Express or the brand Hue… Which ever you pick make sure they have a high opacity… And finally, the dress… While not exact this tiered cutie caught my eye at tobi.com and also will set you back a buck fifty.

I couldn’t quite decide on which coat or jacket I liked more so just threw both of them up.  Both are military inspired and would look fabulous thrown over the LWD… If you are more partial to color you can try the Karen Millen featured right that will cost a pretty penny (about $300) while the mocha lovely tot he left is about $200.  Coats and jackets are always a good investment, and when taken care of will last a lifetime – remember its the first and last impression you leave when attending an event to simply walking into the room so choose wisely.

It sure was sweet to take a look at some of the collections featured at Milan Fashion Week.  There was lots of dazzling bling and pretty fabrics and colors.  Out of the long list of designers who presented in Milan I was particularly taken by both the Blumarine and Dolce Gabbana collections that were ultra luxe, not to mention lots of fun!

Beginning with Blumarine – the pop art Andy Warhol backdrop with lots of bright pinks, orange, and yellows sure was eye-catching and the sassy leopard print mini dresses, coats, and shoes were entertaining.  What I love most about this particular designer is her use of vibrant hues, perked up neutrals, feminine trims, and extra-special details.  In the instance featured to the right, an everyday camel colored jacket helps to downplay the razzle dazzle of the thigh-skimming dress and the neutral animal print glads tie everything up just right.  

Want more bling?  Take a look at the sweet shoes paired with this dynamic midnight and black  hued plunging neckline feathery frock.  If there is anything that we can learn about the fabulous styling of this look it is: Be not afraid of mixing black and blue.  So many times I hear women and men alike gasp in horror when they even THINK about pairing black with blue or even brown with black… There are no RULES.  Try mixing and matching things that “go against the grain” and you may come up with a new favorite ensemble.  Need an idea?  Try a beautiful navy blue sheath paired with a shiny black patent Mary Jane Platform – super sophisticated!

Perhaps the exaggerated above the knee hemlines are the fashion industry’sway of saving money on fabrics – or maybe they just love the sexy look?!  I love this winter white skin-tight little one featured right.  We saw a couple of these pretty sculpted looks on the red carpet at the various awards shows recently!  Again, take a look at those gorgeous shoes – which I would stalk her for – which are just funky enough to un-pretty her sweet cocktail number just a tinge.

So onto Dolce… I love the 1940’s nod with the structured shoulder and fur… Not to mention the sleeked back, deep sided parted hair and red lips.  The color palette was again a bit noir but still fabulous to look at but as D&G is known for, they always have to inject some sort of effulgent or metallic color.  Out of the whole collection this was the sole golden piece.  I love the abbreviated hemline, thick tights, pouffed shoulders and awesome fringy/ruffled neckline. 

I did say that good ole Dolce likes to do the bright hue… Take a look at this electric magenta dress with loads of pleating, exaggerated shoulders, cinched waist and perfect pencil skirt.  I could die for this piece that would suck in all the bad parts and leave a gorgeous silhouette on just about anyone.  With a dress like this style with caution.  Hair and make-up shouldn’t be too dramatic. A simple chignon would do the trick and a dab of deep dark rouge on the pout! 

And finally, this was another Italiano who loved the black and blue combo.  I just had to show off this pretty woven circle skirt dress and out to there fuzzy accoutrement.  This is THE way to style up a look.  As you see here this pretty frock is made even more amazing with a full-on foxy shrug on the shoulders, nipped in waist, thicker than thick tights, demure black leather gloves to the wrist, and of course, let’s not forget the shoes… Showstopping suede towering platforms that show-off gem buttons. 

This time of year, when we are still coveting our layers look to D&G for inspiration.  Pile on the fur, don’t forget the gloves, and paint on a pretty mouth – you’ll be ahead of the gang!

I always get a little nostalgic when London Fashion Week rolls around… It takes me back to the days when I lived in the jolly UK and passed by the glorious white tents and watched as the glamour-pusses made their way past the gatekeepers into the lively shows.  London isn’t always getting oodles of accolades from the fashion press, with Paris, Milan, and New York reeling in the highest of accolades… But, one can’t discount the creativity of the designers who show in London.  Rarely “playing it safe” these designers are noted for comingup with strange silhouettes (at times) and collections with a punk-ishfeel – but who better than the English to re-invent that signature style, since of course they started the whole punk era themselves.

So what about the London collections then?  Color was less than prevalent with black and other somber colors ruling the catwalk.  Julien Macdonald, a British fashion name stay, stuck mostly with dark ink tones and deep and subtle metal but injected a smidge of color with some emerald and cobalt pieces.  Shoulders were structured, dresses were shrunken up, slits were borderline indecent, and tops/tunics were ripped up and deconstructed.  A nice added touch was a glimmering shattered mirror effect on the gown shown here!  Definitely a severe collection and not for the mild mannered… This is the true taste of Julien Macdonald.

Paul Smith is another big name when it comes to British fashion.  When it comes to this “King of stripes” collection I was not at all disappointed in the sheer supple-ness of the fabrics shown and the quintessential autumnal colors like rust and olive with pops of pink and turquoise that sweeten up the military-inspired deal (gee wonder where he got inspired??).  Who wouldn’t want to bundle up in one of these fabulous funnel-neck collared coats?  Or better yet, wrap up your legs in these phenomenal cable-knit tights that come in a full gamut of colors and look simply perfect with tie up ankle boots. What can we learn about styling from Mr. Smith? 

1. Don’t be afraid to throw together “like” colors.  You see here the subtle bronze pattern in the coat is made more noticeable by donning a pair of tights in a similar hue. 

2. Cinch the waist.  A fabric such as the one shown above could border on masculine, however a slim belt at the waist forms an immediate fem silhouette.

3. Pump up dark hues by interjecting a bright color.  Those clunky booties are WAY more interesting with pink shoelaces (not to mention immediately more current).  Don’t be afraid of color.

4. I know you’re all waiting for this one… Yes, you can mix patterns especially those in the same color family.  In this instance, Mr. Smith caught my eye by throwing on a sassy leopard print muffler.  Love it!

Ah!  How I love the shape of this look pictured to the right.  Again, the masculine undertones of the color have been juxtaposed against the most girly shape – the circle skirt, and a buttoned up cardi with fun beads at the shoulders dare I say a cheeky way of re-interpreting the sturdy golden, draped braids that make up the British military uniform?  The whole of this look is punctuated again with those pesky socks – this time worn with closed-toes.  On this model I think it works, however if I put this whole outfit on and gave the old anklets a whirl, my short legs would only look stumpier and no one would appreciate my stellar skirt and darling sweater because of my silly socks.  Remember my fashionable fans, not always do  the runway looks work for everybody.  You’ll only hit the height of style if you learn what shapes work on you… You can still try out all the new trends but you MUST formulate it to your bod or it simply WILL NOT work. Cheers!

Every season designers must come up with a new or revised way to style it up.  I am sure that you all remember the bare leg craze a few years ago that dictated that the only acceptable way to don your favorite open-toes was suffering through it with naked gams… Luckily though this past season thick, opaque tights in various colors were the de rigour way to don your favorite chunky sandals - and I don’t know about you, but I certainly breathed a sigh of relief when I could wear a cute mini number without freezing my keister off in the fall/winter.  The other leg craze of the moment is of course the legging or footless tight – these must-haves are still going strong and will carry through spring… But, there is a new trend emerging for spring in the leg/foot department that I am still on the fence about, so I thought I might get some of my dear readers’ opinions on the matter…

Perhaps you have been nosing through some fashion glossies lately and have noted yourself that there are an awful lot of ankle socks being featured with chunky open-toe platforms worn with mini dresses, skirts, and jackets.  The designer who worked this new look a lot on the catwalk was Burberry Porsum featured to the left.  You’ll note the socks are a darker neutral with the shoe and jacket a tad more matchy-match.

So what do you think?  Are these socklets better suited for the runway and the avante garde fashion layouts for mags like Vogue, Elle, Bazaar, ETC… Or are you willing to pull ‘em on for a different look? HMMMM????

I like to be warm when I head out into the elements, and there’s nothing warmer than fur.  Yes, the cost of fur is a little higher than most of us want to spend, but since the season is SLOWLY rolling to an end (I hope) you can find some really sweet deals on fur coats, vests, boots, boleros, and jackets that are trimmed in the fluff!

The lovely bolero pictured left is by one of my favorite designers, Robert Rodriguez.  The cuddly and cropped fox topper looks terrific over a sheath as shown or would work with a monochromatic pant and turtleneck combo… Think all black, cognac, red, or winter white.  What’s even better?  This foxy fashion must-have is now on sale for $492.00 – sounds high?  It started at over $1200.00.  One must consider when buying a piece like this that it is truly an investment, and one that will last a life-time if properly stored and taken care of.

For all of you out there opposed to wearing fur, there are lots of faux options that may not keep you as warm, but will still keep you looking chic.  I found this high-neck vest on Blue Fly.  I love the button detail, subtle brown-ish hue, and the perfect length.  Layer this baby under your favorite wool stand-by and let the collar peek out… Your coat will have a whole new look and you’ll be toasty.

Ah!  Mink!  It’s pricey for sure but lasts a lifetime and really holds in the heat.  To the left is a gorgeous mink and leather gillet (as they call it in the UK) with fantastic gold over-sized buttons that really add a thrill.  I love that you could wear this all day and not feel constricted – great with denim as shown or with a great a-line espresso leather or wool skirt – this vest is a great choice!  Want to make it look more downtown edgy than uptown stuffy?  Throw a longer length (cover your bum)  slim fitted tee/tunic on over leggings – don sweet knee-high boots and finish with your new favorite fashion piece!