23.8.12

The Last Hurrah

As the Summer winds down, and I start to gear up for Fall I was able to spend a week at the Cape with my family. Beautiful, relaxing and full of great photo opps, I had grand plans for some fab posts.  My work station was all set up...


However when the sun is shining and the sky is so blue, the beach begins to beckon.  My plans go right out the window.


I did take this opportunity to wear all of my favorite summer looks again, but hopefully not for the last time.

My chartreuse bubble necklace and silk stripe cami for a casual dinner out.


Sequin stripes and a paisley print for an afternoon shopping in Chatham.


A striped shift and wedges for a more adult night out on the town.  I was hoping to run into Taylor Swift, but it didn't happen this time...


Getting ready for a clambake at Chatham Bars Inn... yay!  My favorite place to be...








And, to end the week... dinner in an old church otherwise known as the Belfry.  Very cool!



My white shift came in very handy...


And now it's time to get back to the grind... sigh.  But, don't get too carried away with Fall fashion yet. There are still several weeks left to enjoy those favorite summer looks.

                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                 - Allison









13.8.12

Outfit Idea: The Peplum Takes Manhattan

After researching fab peplum looks for my post last week, I had to take this trend out for my own test drive.  I bought the Anthro Ponte Peplum Tank, and I love it.  I had the perfect plan for this super cute top...


Since we were headed into the city to watch the Bengals vs Jets (I am an Ohio girl) preseason game and down to the village, I didn't want to look too ladylike.  I had to add a bit of edge.  I mixed my snakeskin pumps, my Tory Burch skinny jeans with a distressed metallic touch...


I loved my look, but I was missing something... I added a mixed metal necklace.  It always comes in handy when my ensemble becomes a little too nice.


My Sis and I hanging out for the game.  By the way, those shrunken cardis that you have hung onto over the years are perfect for layering over your peplum.  I used a very old Jackie cardigan.


We headed down memory lane in the village.  A stop at the Peculier Pub.


Then a stop at Kenny's Castaways...


Nothing like a little a Steel Dragon... a la Marky Mark in Rockstar.  I felt like this was right out of the movie.


All in all a fun night.  My peplum was perfect.  I am off to find more versions of this must have trend.


                                               - Allison


9.8.12

Fab Find: The Perfect Pointed Toe

I love my pointy toe heels.  They lengthen your legs, make anything look sexy and just look so darn good sticking out from a long, wider leg pant or jean.  My obsession with this style was renewed this past Spring when I came across my blue suede shoes (aka the Aldo Fravel).


Perfectly pointed, sleek and classic - no fuss.  This is how I like my heels.  I am still kicking myself for not buying a pair in every color available because this perfect design (at an amazing price) only comes around once in a blue moon.  Or does it?

For so long it was absolutely impossible to find a Jimmy Choo lookalike for less than $300.  Then came the Fravel.  I was shocked and overjoyed all at once!  I thought for sure this style would become a staple for Aldo, but I was wrong.  I have yet to see a Fall version...

Lucky for me (and you), Nine West has provided us with the Boutique 9 Justine Pump this Fall.  The Justine is classically pointed with a 4" heel... flawless.  Best part - she is $120 and available in a variety of hues... suede or patent, take your pick.  I love Shopbop's selection of black, blue and dark purple suede.





Vince Camuto's Kain Pump is my second favorite in this category.  With a price tag of $89, the Kain is hard to beat. However, it is more limited in selection and just doesn't get me the same way the Fravel did and the Justine does now. Still an excellent choice, and the blue suede looks fabulous.  


Whichever style you choose, just make sure you add a pointy toe pump to your collection.  It is back in a big way (not that it was ever really gone), and is the perfect complement for all of the tailored looks that are so popular for Fall.


                                                                                                                - Allison

*Photos courtesy of shopbop.com and piperlime.com.




8.8.12

Trend Alert: Pretty in Peplum

Peplums - super chic, polished, a little sexy and a bit daunting.  They look fabulous with a slim pencil skirt or narrow pants.  They flatter many figures by creating an hourglass silhouette that is very feminine and fresh, while enhancing curves or hiding flaws.  

In other words... you need to add this to your wardrobe this Fall.  Consider the peplum a must have.  The peplum jacket or top will fit in with any woman's existing wardrobe (we all own a pencil skirt or a pair of slim cut pants or jeans).  Plus, due to the drama the peplum creates, you need to keep a minimalistic approach.  Therefore, not much else is needed... except for a killer pair of heels.

Lanvin's Fall 2012 RTW show presented us with a few ah-mah-zing looks...




Bergdorf's also gives us some fab ideas for styling the peplum... albeit very high end ideas, but inspiring all the same.

Stella McCartney

Givenchy

Alexander McQueen

The Row

Alice + Olivia

Alexander McQueen

Carolina Herrera

Now that you are completely infatuated with this look (I know I am), we just have to find one at a reasonable price point.  Well, I found some cool shots from Ann Taylor's Fall Collection courtesy of Glamour.com...



And, Anthropolgie has this very cute Ponte Peplum Tank in a variety of colors...



As well as the very chic Fustanelle Jacket...


As the peplum trend continues, I will keep you posted with other fabulous tops, jackets and dresses as I come across them.  Until then, happy shopping!


                                                                                                           - Allison
         


*Photos courtesy of nymag.com, bergdorfgoodman.com, glamour.com and anthropolgie.com.









7.8.12

Currently Coveting: The Dome Satchel

I think that is safe to say that we would all love to own an "It" bag one day.  It probably will never happen, but that is what daydreaming is for...  However, there are so many beautiful bags, it is hard to keep track of all of them.  I feel like it is a constant blitz with photos of "who is carrying what", while the Fashion Gods keep promoting the most coveted bags... new ones each month!  So, when it comes to deciding which bag is for you, the decision becomes very difficult.  For me, I still have several favorites that seem to stood the test of time... for at least a few seasons.

The illusive Hermès Birkin Bag.  I would literally die for an oversized one in dark brown crocodile (that sounds horrible, but it is so gorgeous!).



The classic Chanel Quilted Large Flap Bag.  I once saw Jenna Lyons at the Paramus J. Crew carrying a very large version in mint.  It was fabulous!



The rugged Chloe Marcie Shoulder Bag...  This is my "go to" everyday bag.  Big enough for everything, still cool and not too perfect.



The perfect YSL Muse.  Enough said... except that this may be the one to purchase in a black patent or red.  Hmmm...



The always chic Louis Vuitton Alma.  I always see super chic women carrying this around, and I think to myself... if I were to carry this, would I alway look so put together?



The biggest problem about these gorgeous bags is if you were able to buy just one, which would you choose?  For me, it might be an impossible decision to make.  It really depends on your mood, right?  Whether or not you are feeling ladylike, a little boho, possibly a bit French...

It is just too bad that these bags require such a large investment.  That is why (for this exact reason) I have been very excited to share Tory Burch's new Robinson Dome Satchel.  Lady-like, polished, structured and at least one third of the price, this bag is a must have for Fall.  The perfect way to indulge in a classic handbag, without going bankrupt.


What I love most about this bag is it's ability to add a certain sense of sophistication to any look.  Whether you are dressed professionally, headed into a day at the office or running around town in your leather pants, this bag keeps you looking like a lady.


It is available in navy, a beautiful luggage brown or black... all very classic color choices.  An excellent choice for those who would like to build a lasting handbag collection.

                                           
                                                                                                                        - Allison


*Photos courtesy of google.com, chanel.com. nordstrom.com, ysl.com, louisvuitton.com and toryburch.com.


3.8.12

Outfit Idea: Rainy Day Brights

Nothing puts a damper on date night like a gray, rainy day.  I had started the day with such high hopes and fun ideas about what I was going to wear that night... until the clouds moved in.  Then the when picked up, the temperature dipped a bit and the skies opened up.  Ugh!  

I do have better things to do than just think about what I am going to wear, but this focus on my clothes is a great procrastination technique.  Rather than working on less exciting tasks, I stared out the window trying to figure out what would be rain appropriate dinner attire.  Then I had an idea...

First I watched the rain...


Then I started looking at my flowers... I am slightly obsessed with the color combinations found in nature.


Then I dug through my closet...  I came across a very "vintage" dress from Anthropologie.  I actually wore this to my bridal shower... no joke!  I love the corset detail and the fuller skirt is very forgiving.  To complete my look, I grabbed my J. Crew Bubble Necklace.


I would have liked to have a little more fun with my bag and shoes...

I love the Neon Stripe Clare Vivier Clutch.


And these gold DVF Jeanette Cutout Sandals would be so much fun...

But, sometimes you just have to make do.  



                                                                                                                                    - Allison

*Photos courtesy of revolveclothing.com and shopbop.com.