A Spot-On Ensemble for September and Beyond...

Since the fall season officially begins this week, I thought I would give my two cents on any easy update for this transitional time.  Let's just call it simple chic.  The West meets the Uptown Lady.  In other words, a very Ralph Lauren look.  Have I peaked your interest yet?!

Let's start with the chambray shirt that was on everyone's must have list this past spring.  If you don't have one yet, it is time to make the purchase.  This is definitely an item that you can wear all year.  Just add it to your basics list and make sure that you buy one that fits fairly snug.  You don't want to look like you just stole your boyfriend's shirt right out of his closet.

I really love J. Crew's Keeper Chambray Shirt...

or Madewell's Ex-Boyfriend Chambray Shirt

Once you have the right shirt, pair it with one of this fall's must-have midi skirts or the always classic pencil skirt.  The result will be a fresh take on the ladylike trend as well as a work-ready ensemble.

I am totally in love with MARC by Marc Jacobs Jackie Skirt

Loving the back of the skirt as much as the front!

Or, maybe you would prefer this season's hot hue in a classic shape... and, red is a very versatile color.  You will wear it much more than you think, I promise.

Anthropologie's Firelight Skirt is perfect!

If you like the red, but the pencil skirt isn't your style, you must try J.Crew's Floating Rose Flair Skirt.  The A-line silhouette is flattering for all, the floral print is fresh, and the knee length is modern but more flattering than the midi length.

And for the more adventurous, there is always leather...  Zero + Maria Cornejo Spiral Skirt.

When it comes to the shoes, have fun.  Don't play it too safe or you may look a bit like a school marm.  Try booties, platforms even wedge ankle boots... animal and python prints would be fab as well.  For example there is...

Tory Burch's Dorese High Heel Bootie... it has a very classic and versatile shape.

Tory Burch does it again with the Jude Snake Print Pump... ladylike, modern and chic.

The shoe designer of the moment, Brian Atwood, has created some fab leopard print booties for his new line, B Brian Atwood.  A must-have are these Back Zip Booties!

I can't resist these Ellie Saab Charlize Wedge Booties... they are perfect for skirts, dresses or jeans.  Does anyone have a spare $400?!

The good news on the shoe front is that there are many less expensive options available.  The shoes that I posted here are more to inspire you.  Who doesn't love to drool over a great pair of shoes!

                 

                                               - Allison

*Photos courtesy of jcrew.com, madewell.com, neimanmarcus.com, anthropologie.com, shopbop.com and toryburch.com.

For the Love of Neutrals

Color, color, color!  Everyone has been a bit consumed with color, as have I, but what if you are not a color person?!  I do know they exist... my mom, Patty, is a prime example.  Her closet is full of khaki, grey, brown and black pants... every shade imaginable (although, I am pretty sure she only wears her Minnie's).  Her tops follow in the same manner, whether they are tee's, blouses, sweaters or t-neck sweaters (Patty loves a good t-neck sweater!).  It isn't that she never wears a bright color, but when she does it is strategic. It is done to add some interest here and there... a lavender belt (which I tend to borrow when I visit), a bright green sweater, pinky/persimmon pieces here and there... you get my point, right?!

Since Patty doesn't naturally gravitate to color, she plays with texture, neutral prints, shades of a color and accessories to make her look more interesting.  Python prints, leopard, metallics... all of these are used to add a little umph! to an otherwise ordinary khaki pants & white tee combo.  Patty even bought a pair of animal print oxfords several years ago... impressive!  These little extras that she adds here and there keep her look from feeling stale.  And that, my friends, is the key to playing the neutral game.

If you consider yourself a lover of neutrals, hold your ground this fall.  This is a big year for color, but neutrals will always be the foundation.  Just remember to play with texture (add a little tweed, mohair or sumptuous silk) and pattern (stripes, plaids, animal prints).  Don't be afraid to play with varying shades or tones of the color (mix and match an outfit with different tones of the same color - it makes for a much more interesting look).  For the final touch, make sure your accessories... jewelry, belts, bag and shoes add a little punch too!

I found some street style pics to inspire and clarify...

A little Michael Kors Fall 2011 helps as well...

I could go on for days about neutrals, but I wanted to briefly touch on the basics.  With all of this talk of color, I had to make sure that the neutral people weren't left out!  I will have to revisit this topic another day.

                                           - Allison

*Photos courtesy of whowhatwear.com, waynetippet.com, style.com

Zang Toi Fall 2011 - Perfect for a Gala

It all started yesterday morning while I watched The Turning Point for the umpteenth time.  You know the classic ballet movie with Shirley Maclaine, Anne Bancroft and Mikhail Baryshnikov from 1977.  I am a sucker for ballet movies, and I love the clothing... there is something about the '70s style and the way the dancers dress, that I just love!  Ok, so back to my point - I had ballet on the brain.

Fast forward to last night, I am at Lincoln Center waiting for the Zang Toi Fall 2011 fashion show to start.  There is a screen with Zang's picture and the shot of him was very elegant (pictured in a tux).  It wasn't at all the way I think of him when he was introduced on Real Housewives of NY a couple of seasons ago.  Do you remember?  Jill Zarin, a very good customer, goes to see him about designing a dress for an event (or something like that).  All that I really remember is Zang being a bit hyper and running around in a kilt, so this photo was quite a departure from the image that I have of him.

The show starts and the music was beautiful.  Dramatic, elegant, classical music that definitely set the mood.  Then, the models come out... the clothes were beautiful and tailored.  Lots of camel infused with an emerald green that was very striking.  Fairly simple clothing - trouser style pants, pencil skirts with little details - pleating, draping, embellishment.  It wasn't overdone.  It was just enough to give the clothes some interest.  The other half of the show was devoted to ball gowns.  All I could think of with the music and the dramatic look of the models, was that these dresses would be perfect for the gala that is standard in every ballet movie.  The dresses were beautiful, but obviously these gowns are only going to appeal to a particular clientele that has the specific need for them.  And, for the finale, out walks Jill Zarin wearing a $30,000 jewel encrusted gown.  I am not quite sure where you would wear this, but it was dramatic and the show was fabulous!

 P.S.  My pictures aren't great.  There was an extremely grumpy man behind me who threatened to have me thrown out if I stood up to take a picture again!

                         - Allison