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.

The Phillip Lim 3.1 spring summer 2009 collection certainly didn’t disappoint.  One of the stand-out and signature features of the collection was Lim’s use of the zipper as an artsy embellishment.  Zippers were formed into cascading waterfalls against classic silhouettes and the shoes that stomped the runway mimicked the pretty and girly vibe from start to finish.  Mimic the Lim look for less with a few of the key items shown below…

The metallic t-straps shown left are a fabulous Lim look alike and would not only be fabulous with a Lim-like frock but also as an eye catching punctuation with everyday denim, professional pencil skirt, or fun easy-going jumpsuit.  Log onto www.asos.com to purchase.

The purple ruffled T-straps featured right are not only a fun hue, but the added height provided by the platform will provide uberlong legs and a sleek overall effect.  Try a pair of colorful kicks with an all-white ensemble or all-black.  Buy these on www.topshop.com for $190.00.

 To replicate the zippy frock, log back on to asos.com where this  pretty black number that gets a boost of style with the mesh top and ruffled peplum skirt.  Pair this dress with  the gold ruffled pumps above and finish your 80’s-inspired look with some gold shoulder dusting earrings.

First off, I apologize deeply for my negligent blogging as that last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind of being out of town, and some extra work hours… Still no excuse I know!  However, I am officially back on track and happy to dispense more fashionable wisdom on these dreary April days. 

As mentioned, I was out of town for a few days, in one of my MOST favorite places New York.  Despite the drizzle and wind, the city was as fun and fashionable as usual and of course provided me with some great outfit building inspiration… And a decent load of new digs courtesy of my favorite British retailer Topshop!  What is Topshop you may ask?  Only one of the best shopping destinations in all the UK… If you’re looking for sweetly priced (not cheap though), savvy and uber-stylish clothing and accessories. 

Let me digress for a moment to let all of you know, that I have waited quite patiently for this fabulous shop to jump over the pond – at the start of this year the rumor was that it would open in February, however it’s delayed opening just happened to fall on April 2 — EUREKA, the day I happily arrived in the city…  So, before my trip, I mapped out the store location, figured out the subway I needed to take, and visited the bank for some extra loot – I was ready to duke it out with the other fastidious shoppers who couldn’t wait to get their hands on the flirty skirts, ornately embellished tops, and out of this world wonderful shoes…  So, upon arrival, I was ready to jump through the front door, however I was halted by the looming doorman who directed me to THE END OF THE LINE all the way around the block – WHAT?!  The line went fast though and the quirk-ily dressed Topshop shop gals and guys were sweet enough to distribute water bottles as we waited so that none of us would get dehydrated as we fought through the style-hungry crowds who would literally fight you for the last size in whatever it was they wanted.  Was it worth the wait? The catfight?  Absolutely!  The accessories can’t be beat, and the shoe department features the British brands that I haven’t seen since I was back in Jolly Ole England. 

So next time you visit the Big Apple head downtown to Topshop on the corner of Broome and Broadway – you’ll be glad you took the trip and will come back with lots of goodies.  Take a look here for just a taste of the awesome stuff this store has to offer.