Killer Deal... One Skirt, Many Looks

Amidst all of the craziness around here... freak snowstorms, falling trees, power outages, 70 degree weather, etc, I just discovered that one of my most favorite skirts for fall has been marked down... again!  This skirt is amazing!  It is so amazing that I just might have to order the ivory for the fabulous price of $89.99!

The skirt I am speaking of is from Madewell.  It is the Alexa Chung Grandma Skirt.  A change in the name might have helped it sell better originally, but I am not going to complain.  It is a silk maxi skirt (ankle length or shorter depending on your height).  It is high-waisted, cut on the bias, slim through the hips and thigh area with a flare towards the knee... completely gorgeous and flattering.  The reason that I am so enamored with this skirt (besides that it makes me feel pretty) is the versatility.

I originally bought the black.  I have worn it to a large tailgate/steeplechase otherwise known as The Hunt, to run errands, out to dinner and around the house.  I love wearing it with my fur vest and cowboy booties just as much as I do with "dressy" booties and sequins.  I am also looking forward to wearing it with fairisle and some sort of snow boot in the coming months.  When I find a good wedge bootie, this will be the perfect skirt to pair with it as well.

I know that I have become quite the "maxi pusher", but I can't help myself.  I love the drama of the longer lengths.  I recently read an interview in which my fave, Rachel Zoe, was talking about the maxi.  She said to think of it as you would jeans or pants... just switch your old stand-bys and slip in the dress or skirt.  It looks great with chunky knits or tee's.  Really you can't go wrong.

Happy Shopping!

                                  - Allison

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.

Spring Awakening

Joy!  It is spring!  The sun is trying to break through the clouds (I see a hint of blue sky) and it is going to be warm (sort of, does 50 degrees count?).  Anyway, I love the first signs of spring... 

I always associate spring with new beginnings.  So, why not try out a trend that I haven't done much with until now... shorts!  However, I don't actually own any cute, dressy shorts - yet.  This is what I would wear if I had it in my closet right now...

And, I would top it off with a belted cargo jacket....

Perfect!  I must go and add this to my closet  - stat!  

                                   - Allison

*Photos courtesy of manywallpapers.com, rottentomatoes.com, decideforyourself.wordpress.com, madewell.com, shopbop.com, jcrew.com

Something for everyone!

I am not sure how everyone else feels, but this extreme heat and humidity is starting to wear on me!  Although there is no where else that I would rather be than on the beach at the Cape, I have begun to dream about cooler Fall nights, bonfires, beautiful foliage and even (gasp).... football!  

My current mood has kept me busy dreaming about all of the fabulous Fall clothes that have been hitting the stores, but then I remember... I won’t be able to wear this for TWO more months!  My jolt back to reality inspired me to write about this really great shirtdress from Madewell.  It is another wear now, wear later piece of clothing, which is really what the focus should be on at this time of the year.

The greatness of this dress is that you can wear it to run errands, wear it to the beach, wear it over jeans or even dress it up with some jewelry for a casual night out.  In other words, it is a perfect go-to piece of clothing for everyone!

If it were me, I would wear it with a few of my favorite things... pearls, a studded belt & leopard print flats!  Seriously, I am so excited, I have to go buy this dress right now!

                                                - Allison

*photos courtesy of Madewell & J.Crew