All You Really Need is... Plaid

Isn't it funny how life changes... I am not getting all philosophical on you, I promise.  Just musing...

As a result of my big closet purge, I did a lot of reflecting on my wardrobe and life.  First, I realized that as much as I live and breathe fashion, the reality is that I spend the vast majority of my time rotating between a very limited amount of exercise clothing (I am dead serious!).  While I would prefer to look my best everyday, it just doesn't work that way right now.  Some days are glamourous and exciting, and the rest... I  am just a glorified housekeeper and taxi service.  Welcome to mommyhood!

Anywho, this led me to start thinking about how, as women, each phase of our lives has a direct impact on our closets. Think about it... there is your first foray into the working world.  It's all about ditching your pj pants and looking professional.  Then there is becoming a mommy.  If this happens to be your life path, you will learn that you don't want to wear anything nice for a long while.  Next up - stay at home mommy, working mommy or possibly changing your job and work environment.  This calls for the need to clean out, pare down and rebuild the basics - the basics needed depend on your stage in life.    Then the kids get older, your career progresses and you turn 40.  Now, it is time to reassess again - are you too trendy?  Eventually the kids go to college, you might start working part-time, or possibly even retire... this will call for a whole new look.  Are you prepared??

I am not writing this to cause an anxiety attack, but really just to help you set your sights on the end game.  I have realized that I don't really "need" that much right now (except for a several different pairs of exercise pants), but that doesn't mean we can't update our wardrobe each season.  We just have to stay focused...

So, moving on, a trend that I looove right now (perfect for any age) is the plaid shirt.  It can be dressed down (jeans and flats) or dressed up (with a pencil skirt).  It is perfect for everyday or a night out... it has a loads of versatility.  So, buy one and instantly create many new looks - perfect!

Plaid can be worn with jeans, leather or even animal print.  Just remember to get the right fit.  Oversize is great for casual days and skinny pants, but for nights out and dressier occasions, a fitted shirt is best.  I am a sucker for any plaid with navy (it is my signature color)... favoring bright plaids with animal prints, while darker versions seem to work better with black and leather.

A few examples of what I am trying to describe...

This is a great shot of the Man Repeller, Leandra Medine, for Barney's...  I need this look.

 On another note, I just bought this buffalo check shirt from who else... J.Crew.  

I felt like it was screaming to be worn with winter white.  This tuxedo skirt might just be the one...

On the other hand, a bright plaid looks fab with a leopard print.

I prefer a clutch, belt or bracelet...

Clare Vivier's Oversized Clutch... love!

J. Crew Calf Hair Wide Belt

J. Crew Wild Side Wide Bangle

And then on those casual days, plaid works well with skinnies and flats or a skirt and boots.  So many options... Enjoy!

                                                                                                                               - Allison

*Photos courtesy of jcrew.com, rugby.com, shoplesnouvelles.com, google.com, barneys.com.

Chic & Ornery

It's Friday - grey, cool, with the "Perfect Storm" heading our way.  Due to this, I'm feeling a bit feisty today... beware.

If I could pick out the perfect look to fit my mood, this would be it.  First, a pair of coated denim skinny jeans.  A must have this season, and totally worth the investment.  I have been eyeing the J Brand Coated Stretch Jeans - however, I am hoping to buy them a wee bit bigger to avoid the legging look.  I'll let you know how that goes...

     

I would add the Free People "City is a Jungle" Cardigan (I love this one!).  

For layering I would add a bohemian touch...

FP One Poison Pintuck Slip

And finish it with fabulous pair of very wearable booties.

Belle by Sigerson Morrison 'Charis' Boot

For a quick change later this evening, I would add a sequin tank and peep toe booties.  Done and done.

Now I need to hit the mall...

                                                                                                                              - Allison

*Photos courtesy of nordstrom.com and freepeople.com.

Bringing Sexy Back

Wax coated denim aside, the big push this Fall seems to be on day dresses.  Coming from someone who would take a dress over jeans any day, I am pretty darn happy about this news.  (I still feel like I am speaking with a twang after last night's episode of Nashville, y'all!)  To dig down even further into this trend, colorblock dresses are hugely popular right now.  And, not just any colorblocked dress, this colorblock gives the illusion of a svelte hourglass figure.  Interested?

Thanks to Stella McCartney and her optical illusion dress, we now have all sorts of variations of this truly inventive style.  For those of you not quite sure what I am referring to, let's quickly recap the evolution...

It all began with Stella McCartney's Fall 2011 collection...

Then, Kate Winslet famously donned this amah-zing dress for the Venice Film Festival last year.

After this red carpet moment, this dress (in many versions) started to appear everywhere.  To cut this story short, this Fall the rest of the fashion world is jumping on the optical illusion band wagon, and with good reason too.  This style of dress does wonders for the figure.  It's amazing how perfectly placed darker side panel nips you in just the right way to create that va-va-voom figure that we all desire.  

The best part - you can find a variation on this theme just about anywhere.  Here is a sample...

Victoria's Secret Colorblock Racerback Dress

INC's Colorblock Sheath

BCBG Max Azaria Colorblock Sheath Dress

And, I saved the best for last.  A twist on the optical illusion...

Milly's Bex Colorblock Dress

Finish your look with a pair of booties or pointy toe heels and an oversized clutch.  Done and done.

                                                                                                                          - Allison

*Photos courtesy of nymag.com, glamourmagazine.com, victoriassecret.com, macys.com and shopbop.com.

The Rules for Fall

For most of us, Fall has arrived.  We have put away our flip flops and dusted off our flats and wondered... what to wear now?  Well, to be quite honest, pretty much the same thing your wore last Fall.  The trends just don't change the way they used to, but I won't complain about that... it's much easier on our wallets.

However, it's always fun to infuse a few new pieces each season, and it helps to keep your look current.  I have lots of fun Fall ideas for you, but I wanted to kick off the new season with some tips from Harper's Bazaar Fashion & Beauty Editor, Avril Graham.

Avril recently visited the Paramus Neiman Marcus for a light lunch and fashion show.  Referring to herself as a transplanted Brit, Avril not only wowed us with some killer looks, but also captivated the ladies with a few tales about recent trips to Great Britain to commentate on the royal wedding, the olympics and meeting the queen.  She definitely needs to write a book one day... her stories could entertain you for hours!

But, more importantly, we we are here to discuss the fashion.  Avril styled many looks that afternoon.  The majority designed for the lady heading to the office, charity meetings, various luncheons, etc.  As fabulous as they were, the real gems of the day were the tips that she threw in here and there while describing the various ensembles.

Let's get on with it, shall we?

1. The Cardinal Rule - Always make sure to update your hairstyle, lipstick and shoes.  You can wear the same black dress for years, but if your lip color is passé, you will look dated.  The same holds true with your shoes.  The changes do not have to be drastic.  For example, if you like to wear red lipstick (that's me!), the trend this season is not as much of an orange/red, but more of an oxblood, deeper blue/red color.  An easy, inexpensive way to keep your look on trend this Fall.

Red lips are classic, but the shade varies from season to season.

2.  Pointy Toes - Alright ladies, if you didn't believe me when I wrote about Perfectly Pointed Toe, now you must listen to Avril.  She reported that the return of the point was a key trend this season.  It was the most prevalent style in the front row at Fashion Week last month.  I don't know what could be more convincing...

Couldn't resist a little J.Crew...

3.  Do Not Match Shoes & Handbags - Avril stressed this point look after look.  Your outfit is much more modern looking when the handbag and shoes do not match.  And, never ever wear red shoes with a red handbag.

4.  Leather - If you haven't noticed yet, take a peek around... leather is everywhere this Fall.  Dresses, pants, vests, jackets... the best part, is it isn't all real.  There are fantastic vegan versions as well as waxed "leather" looking denim.  It just takes a bit of shopping around.
P.S.  Zara has some great less expensive leather pieces.

Keeping leather leggings refined with a tweed jacket.

4.  Blush Tones - Add a little pop to your closet with a blush tone piece of clothing.  It is a fresh looking neutral that will go with most of your closet (and most skin tones!)... black, brown or a midnight/navy blue.

A blush tone dress allows you to have fun with your shoes...

5.  Accessory Update - Brooches are back.  However, wearing them in unexpected places is much more current.  Instead of on your jacket lapel, what about on your dress beneath... just peeking out from under your jacket?  Handbags with a little bling are also big for daytime.  Dress up your look with a little daytime sparkle.

*Nordstrom offers a Brooch Style Guide this Fall.

6.  Mixing It Up - Not a new trend, but a continuing one, mixing various styles continues to rule the runway.  Toughen a lady chic look with a heavier shoe and bag, or soften a tailored outfit with some lace or ruffles.  This is the perfect way to infuse some personality into your everyday ensemble.

A sweet sweater dress with lace detailing is made edgier with a biker jacket and booties.

Fabulous advice.  Easy on the wallet.  Done and done.  

                                                                                                                         - Allison

*Photos courtesy of jcrew.com and nordstrom.com.

Cozy Chic

The darker and chillier the mornings get, the harder it is to get out of bed.  I tend to reach for anything remotely warm and comfy to make this "starting the day transition" a little easier, but those clothing choices are never very glamourous.  It becomes a problem when you have to get ready quickly to get to work, the kids to school or both!  Let's just say if I could wear my Uggs all winter, I would be a very happy and warm mommy, who's with me?

While we may not be able to wear Ugg's everywhere (well, I guess you could...), comfy dressing just got much more chic due to the popularity of sweater dresses this season.  Sweater dresses are everywhere.  There are short dresses, long dresses, nubby dresses and colorblocked dresses.  In other words, something for everyone.

You can wear the dresses now with flats, later with boots and tights.  In the very cold weather, they can be layered over leggings and snow boots if you desire.  To simply put it, sweater dresses are the chic lady's answer to sweats.

Due to the endless amount of dresses available, I quickly chose some that first jumped out at me.  All affordable options...

Ann Taylor has a great colorblocked shift - slimming and sophisticated.

Ann Taylor Colorblocked Sweater Dress

C&C California has a more funky and fun approach to colorblocking...

C&C California Long Sleeve Boatneck Dress

Lilly Pulitzer offers a more sweet and romantic version...

Lilly Pulitzer Helena Sweater Dress

Topshop has a fab boucle knit dress...

Topshop Boucle Sweater Dress

And if you like stripes, French Connection has a dress for you...

French Connection Bambi Striped Sweater Dress

Don't forget a maxi to get you through those windy, cold days...

BB Dakota Lisbet Dye Maxi Sweater Dress

Literally, a sweater dress for every mood.  Make sure to add one to your wardrobe this Fall.

                                                                                                              - Allison

*Photos courtesy of anntaylor.com, candccalifornia.com, saxsfifithavenue.com, topshop.com, bloomingdales.com and shopbop.com.

The Problem with the Skinny

Ahhhh... a sigh of relief.  It is good to be back.  The few weeks have been a whirlwind of vacation, parties with friends & family, and then prepping for back to school.  Now, I can take a deep breath as I have almost half the day to myself... I can actually sit down and write again.  Woohoo!!

My first topic to cover is something that has been bugging me for several weeks... the skinny jean.  I have watched email after email from every store, magazine, etc raving about the skinny jean.  Yes, they are versatile.  Yes, it is fun to wear them in different colors, prints and washes.  Yes, the skinny jean is a must have.  But no, the same jean is not flattering on everyone and, no, the legging look should not be your "go to" jean.

Eons ago when the skinny jean first came on the scene, it was a great change.  A tailored jean - skimming the leg - ending in either a cigarette style or hitting the shoe hemmed to the perfect length or with an engineered scrunch at the ankle. These jeans looked great with hip length tops, tunics and longer cardigans.  Next up, the jegging.  Glorified leggings that look good under tunic style tops or a short dress.

Rag & Bone - The Legging Jean

Not surprising, designers start to play with different fabrications and the next thing you know... the skinny jean and the jegging have become one.  These two becoming one had to be one of the worst fashion moments for women everywhere.  Now, as the Fashion Gods promote the skinny jean, they forgot to tell you that you are wearing leggings.  Any type of pant that clings to every single curve of your leg are is just not a good look... unless you are model, tiny and petite, spend way too many hours in the gym or just got blessed with great legs.

J. Crew - Stretch Toothpick Jean

Would you ever tuck a shirt into a pair of leggings?  Would ever wear any type of shirt that hips above your bum with a pair of leggings?  I am thinking no.  But you do... these denim leggings are everywhere.  One of the biggest problems is the lightweight, stretchy material.  The second problem is that we have lost the straight leg (slim through the thigh and falling narrow and straight to the ankle).  Now the jeans just cling all the way to the ankle.  The straight leg helps to balance the bottom half of your body.  The clinging to your ankles really does nothing.

7 For All Mankind - Straight Leg Jean

This does not mean that you should immediately ditch all of your super skinny jeans.  Simply take it as something to think about...  As you start to shop for pants this season, think about how you want them to look.  What are you going to wear them with?  If you have a closet full of long shirts, sweaters and short dresses, skinny jeans are for you.  If you would like to wear these jeans with hip length sweaters and blouses, a slim, straight leg might be more of the look you are after.

Citizens of Humanity - Ava Straight Leg Jean

                                                                                                                      - Allison

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

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

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.