Variations on the LBJ

Since I wrote my post on Friday (The New Must Have... the LBJ) I have been obsessing over Julianna Margulies' awesome ensemble.  I promised to come up with some affordable options so that we too could look as fab as she did on Kelly & Michael last week.  I searched all weekend.  And, as I find with all clothes in the reasonable price range - there is never anything that is classically chic.  Everything has to have some detail that makes it more trendy... ugh!  I do not want cut-outs, sequins or extremely flared legs.  I would just like a piece of clothing that I can wear season after season.  Why does it have to be so difficult?

Even more frustrating, I cannot find a full-length picture of Julianna's look for the life of me.  I have searched high and low, and the best I can do are these "headshots" from Tess Giberson's tumblr page.

I am sure that In Style, People or US will have shots soon, but that is not really helping the cause right now.  However, you get a sense of how great she looked.

A bit disappointed with the above, I began pondering other options.  I finally decided to recreate her look with some separates that you may or may not own already.  These pieces really are staples that can be worn in a zillion different ways, and will stand the test of time.  I tweaked the look a bit, but I am loving it...

First, we have the indestructible silk cami...

J. Crew's Silk Cami

Add, possibly, the most perfect pair of black pants...

Theory's Max C Original Tailor Pant

Definitely would wear my most favorite pair of heels this season... who says aubergine can't be versatile?

Jean-Michel Cazabat Emma Two Tone Pumps

Once again, Alexis Bittar has just the right jewelry...

Alexis Bittar Crystal Encrusted Long Spear Necklace

Since we are using aubergine shoes, why not add an emerald green ring...

Alexis Bittar Siyabona Midnight Cushion Ring

 I am crushing on this patent leather bag.  A perfect finishing touch.

3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Minute Bag

Done and done.  This would look great with faux fur or a leather jacket.  If you are going for a more conservative look, a tweed jacket would be fab as well.

                                                                                                                      - Allison

*Photos courtesy of tessgiberson.tumblr.com, jcrew.com, theory.com and shopbop.com.

NYFW: Stand Out Look

New York Fashion Week is back.  With that comes the barrage of street style shots, celebrity pics and descriptions of what every editor and buyer is wearing... literally a play by play.  That's before we even get to the actual shows being presented.  Everyone will be donning their chic Fallish looks vying for those coveted street style shots.

I can't wait to see what everyone is wearing... peplums, leather leggings, pencil skirts, tailored jackets...  oooh, the competition will be fierce.  That led me to think about what I would wear.  How would I make my mark on NYFW?  I suppose I would start by taking a completely different approach.

Think about it... it's still summer, it's hot and you don't want to be trying so hard that you are completely uncomfortable.  As many know I love dresses, especially dresses that can be worn many different ways.  With this in mind, wouldn't toughening up a white dress be the perfect option?

I came across this Alexander Wang Slip Dress that would be absolutely perfect.  Simple, versatile and forgiving... it should be a staple for everyone (now we just need someone to knock it off!).

The key question is how would you accessorize it?  I am thinking tough yet ladylike...

Alexis Bittar Siyabona Cushion Pendant Necklace

Alexis Bittar Bel Air Sculptural Cuff

Rachel Rachel Roy Tarrah Peep Toe Bootie

3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Hour Bag

If I were to get chilly, I would just throw a jacket over my shoulders...

Rachel Zoe Lou Double Breasted Jacket

Fresh, fun and chic.  Done and done.

                                                                                                             - Allison

*Photos courtesy of alexanderwang.com, shopbop.com and rachelroy.com.

Trend Alert: The Earring Makes a Comeback

It's Friday.  You have a hot date tonight with your hubby, Mr. Right (maybe?!) or just a great group of friends.  Whatever your plans, I bet you are all wondering the same thing... "What am I going to wear?".  The most annoying part - you have no time to scour the stores today for that something special.  What is a girl to do?

Well, jumping back to the Neiman Marcus Spring Trend List, Statement Earrings are making a big splash this season.  It is the perfect (and easy) way to spice up any old ensemble.  With the focus having been on the necklace and cuffs, you forget how much a great pair of earrings can change your look and brighten your face.  The other bonus, you probably have an old pair of very cool earrings tucked away in the recesses of your jewelry box.  Pull those out and... voilà!  If not, stop by your favorite store and run straight to the jewelry department.  Grab the first pair that catches your eye.  A very quick shopping trip indeed!

What I love best about the statement earring is the fact that it can change your entire appearance in an instant.  Pull your hair back (to maximize the effect) and add a simple dress or your favorite jeans. I perused the internet quickly to find some fab examples, and was overwhelmed with the amount of cool earrings out there.  I did notice that Nordstrom has an excellent selection at various price points.  Anywho, here are some of my favorites...


I love these Yochi Earrings.  They have a cool art-deco feel, are elegant, clip-on and $60.  You can't beat that!  Plus they would look fantastic with sleek dress or blouse.

These Kate Spade 'park guell' Earrings are a fun choice for any occasion.  In the color of the season, they will brighten up any look.  I especially like the idea of wearing them with a all white.  I might add a pop of red as well...

I can't resist adding some Alexis Bittar.  A bit more of an investment, but so worth it.  These 'Desert Dust' Leaf Earrings are beautiful.  I would wear them with everything.

These Alexis Bittar Coral Chandelier earrings are just as cool.  All you would need is a ribbed tank, jeans and heels.

Finally, the Ippolita Riviera Sky Chandelier Earrings are breathtaking.  No words.

Super easy solutions are at your fingertips.  Stop stressing and enjoy your night out.  Cheers!

                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                          - Allison

*Photos courtesy of maxandchloe.com, nordstrom.com and neimanmarcus.com.

My Favorite Combination... so far...

While attempting my holiday challenge over the last couple of weeks (which turned out great!), I ended up putting together a look that I love.  We were going out for our annual Christmas adult family dinner (i.e. the perfect excuse to get dressed up) and I had nothing to wear.  Every year I look forward to this dinner, not only because it is fun, but it is a reason to get a fab new outfit!  I would have liked to purchase one of the zillion dresses that was sold out or backordered until February (which I have already complained about), but I guess it just wasn't meant to be.  So, I had to shop my closet.

When forced to make your creative juices flow, it really is amazing what you can come up with.  I have been very proud and excited about some of my new combinations lately.  I guess it is really all about rediscovering an older piece of clothing that fits really well.... and then you start to fall in love all over again.

I started with this amazing Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent dress.  I absolutely love this dress, but rarely get to wear it.  It fits like a dream and is very comfortable, but it is hemmed to wear with heels (not so practical with kids).  I am thinking that I should start fooling around with some sort of double-stick tape, and just maybe I could temporarily hem it to wear with all of my flat booties...

Once I had the dress picked out, I needed a topper.  I honestly would have loved to just wear my fur neckwarmer, but since I was going to dinner, live in the 'burbs and I get cold very easily, something didn't feel quite right.  I found several sweaters and jackets that would be good for different occasions, but by far the best was my black hacking jacket from J.Crew.  I love this blazer.  It fits so well and can be worn with anything!

Next up, shoes.  I had been dying to wear my animal print booties, but it just didn't feel right with the blazer.  Then, I caught sight of my leopard print clutch and thought that would be the most perfect bag to finish off my look.  However, if I used this clutch, I would need a black shoe.  I realized that my black bootie selection needs some improvement.  *Note-to-self - pointy toe, hidden platform black booties are a must have.*  So, I was back to the drawing board.  I could go with pumps, but I felt a little weird wearing pumps with a long maxi.  It just doesn't feel very "new" for a less formal event.  I stewed for a few minutes and finally decided to pull out my platform snakeskin pumps.  I figured that I could get by with a pump if I am mixing prints and it has a noticeable platform... I think it worked.

I didn't wear much jewelry... just some "go to" oversized crystal earrings from J.Crew and my beloved Alexis Bittar cocktail ring (I should probably put that on my Obsessions page).  For a bag I went to me always handy Rachel Zoe QVC black patent clutch.  By the way, this one of my best purchases... ever!  I use it all of the time and it looks great!

The result...

I felt very regal and polished... a bit like Kate Middleton!  Now I just have to work on my poses. 

                                               - Allison

Party Perfect Obsessions

On this very dreary day (i.e. cold & rainy), I have not wanted to do anything except stay warm and cozy while avoiding any and all household related matters.  Procrastination led me to start daydreaming about a super cool ensemble that I would wear to a very chic holiday party that I have not been invited to quite yet...  and the rest is history.

My look would start with this gorgeous Halston Heritage faux fur jacket... can you say yummy?!  

I have decided that I must own this Rory Beca romper... so cool yet basic... a great piece to play with.

Oh, and these Stella McCartney teal velvet pumps are to die for!

I must not forget these Nicole Romano oversized stud earrings... the perfect blend classic and edgy.

This Cornelia Webb folded cuff is perfect.  Adds some interest, but won't steal the show.

Alexis Bittar's white quartz ring is the perfect finishing touch!

Now that I have my outfit, I just need a party... or some fab event would work too.  Any suggestions?!

                                  - Allison

*Photos courtesy of shopbop.com, neimanmarcus.com, maxandchloe.com, intermixonline.com.

An Effortlessly Chic Day at the Hamptons

I was recently asked where the inspiration comes from for the outfits that I put together on my website.  And, honestly, it comes from all over the place.  Sometimes the weather inspires me, a group of colors in nature, a photograph, a song, a very cool piece of clothing or just the idea of attending a specific event... it really depends on the day.  So, I thought that I would try to share with everyone the inspiration behind one of my outfits...

The most important thing to know is that I am completely taken with maxi dresses and skirts right now... a slight maxi obsession!  Then, when it was warm enough to open my car windows not too long ago, I became very excited for summer dressing.  I also happened upon some photos of Tory Burch's home and became totally obsessed with her use of color!  

Then I found this Tory Burch dress, which I am completely in love with... subdued color - more my style...

This dress got me thinking about the casual chicness of the Hamptons... polo matches, shopping, the beach, cool little restaurants...

With all of these images floating through my head (and some that I dreamed up), I thought about what would be a great outfit that I could wear and look very chic in the Hamptons... The dress is a good base. It can be dressed up or down, and I am definitely all about versatility.  I also thought about adding more color or pattern, but that is not me.  I like things that are more understated, so I chose an outfit with a little color mixed with neutrals.  I also decided on more of a daytime look (it would take me further)... I paired the Tory Burch dress with an Acne anorak J.Crew shoes and handbag, an Alexis Bittar ring, a Cartier tank watch (of course!) and I almost forgot a pair of MJB aviators...

Supposed to be in grey, but the image is no longer available.

                                      - Allison

*photos courtesy of Francois Halard for Vogue and Elle, Yatzer.com, newyorkgossipgirl.com, tripadvisor.com, chichisummer.com, netaporter.com, jcrew.com, alexisbittar.com, google.com and nordstrom.com.