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.

Shoe Shopping with Rachelle Bergstein... lucky me!

Who doesn't love shoes?  I honestly can't think of any woman I know who doesn't jump at the chance to shop for shoes, but have you ever really thought about how the very large and diverse women's shoe departments came to be?  Neither did I until I met author Rachelle Bergstein.

Rachelle recently wrote "Women from the Ankle Down:  The History of Shoes and How They Define Us".  It is has been getting rave reviews for her fun and witty look at the history of the women's shoes in the nineteenth century.  Even more interesting, how the history of our shoes has mirrored women's changing roles throughout the 1900's... definitely a must read this summer!

I had the pleasure of shoe shopping with Rachelle at my local Neiman Marcus.  Not only is Rachelle completely fabulous, she takes shoe shopping to an entirely new level.  Her knowledge and the way she appreciates each individual shoe's design is very cool.

After I finish her book, I think I just might go back and re-watch the entire Sex and the City series...

To read more about my shopping trip with Rachelle, check my post on NMdaily.

                                                 - Allison

Trend Alert: Think Pink

It's time to tackle the second trend on "The List", and this week it is all about pink.  Pink is such a happy, feminine color and there is a shade that looks great on everyone.  I have found a fantastic way to describe wearing pink... through the eyes of little girls.  Just imagine there is no other color that you would rather wear...

I was watching my youngest (almost 4) pick out her clothes this morning, and I started to laugh.  She picked out a dress in a pink & white pattern.  She reached for a darker pink sweater to wear over it, an even darker poofy pink headband and her shoe of choice were her sparkly pink "twinkle toe" sneakers.  Surprisingly enough, she looked really cute.  That is when I had a thought...

Pink looks great in many different ways.  You may or may not be a "pink person", but either way a touch of pink is a must this season.  You might just want to wear a pink lip this spring, or a pink nail polish might be all you can handle.  Or, you can accent your outfit with a pink clutch, belt or a really cute pair of pink pumps.  Remember your colorblocking?  These would be great ideas if you already own a lot of orange, red, purple or yellow.  If you do love pink, layer it on.  Vary the shades or mix patterns, either way, this is the season to "think pink"!

Scroll through some fab spring runway looks for more inspiration...

Pink is always ladylike.

Alexander McQueen

 Toughen pink up with black accessories.

Jason Wu

Pink can be playful.

Badgley Mischka

 Pink looks great in sequins and accented with other bright colors.

J. Crew

Pink is perfect as an accent.

Badgley Mischka

Pink can be sleek and sexy.

Issa

What is your ideal way to wear pink?

                                                                                                                   - Allison                     

*Photos courtesy of style.com.

Trend Alert: Sunny Days Ahead

It is time to tackle the spring trends.  Last week I presented you with "The List" courtesy of Kareen Mallet and Neiman Marcus.  Today I want to address the first item on this list... Yellow: the new neutral.

First, this doesn't mean that you should head straight to the store and purchase a new yellow wardrobe.  Rather, think about adding a key piece this season in yellow.  Depending on how fond you are of this hue, it could be a clutch, heels, a jacket, skinny pants or even a dress.  If you are a bit more hesitant, a pair of earrings, a clutch or even a belt is a perfect way to start adding this color du jour to your ensemble.

Next step, wear it with everything.  Yellow is one of those colors that really does look great with just about every shade out there.  To give your look a modern feel use yellow as accent with khaki, pair with it olive, grey or teal or soften your favorite black biker look with a touch of yellow.

And, for a visual aid, scroll through for more ideas on using yellow this spring.

A golden topper, bag and shoes at Mulberry.

Toughening up a yellow dress at Burberry Prorsum.

Head-to-toe sunshine from Isabel Marant.

 A yellow bag from Phillip Lim.

 Accented with yellow from Vera Wang.

A few street style looks... this one I like, but I would have made it a more rugged look with the camel coat and brown belt.  Maybe add the Madewell Old Town Boots...

I like the idea of creating an edgy look when combining yellow & black.

A perfect way to add a touch of yellow.

Now it's time for you to add a touch of sunshine to your life... 

                                                                                                                                - Allison

       

*Photos courtesy of nymag.com and internationalstreetstyle.com.

Spring Trends Made Easy

There are many reasons why I love Neiman Marcus.  Most obvious - the fabulous fashion and accessories (that I wish I could purchase!).  Another reason might have to do with winning the Rachel Zoe contest last summer... it was such a wonderful/memorable/fabulous experience!  The respect given to the blogging community is also another feather in the NM cap.  Along with their own fab blog NMdaily, of which I am now a contributor!

All of these reasons aside, NM does a great job taking a stand on the trends each season.  Courtesy of Ken Downing and his team, NM provides us with the most important trends in a simplified and straightforward manner.  These trends are then used as an outline all season.  You will find them on their website, in the NM Look Book and most importantly in the store.  Think of it as "Fashion Trends for Dummies"... genius!

If you happen to live close to a store, the trends are presented each season with informal modeling... a great way to bring it all to life.  One of the bonuses of living close to Manhattan is that the NJ stores get a visit from Kareen Mallet each season.  Kareen is the Senior Ready-To-Wear Women's Fashion Director of NM and Bergdorf's... sounds like a dream job, right?!

Well, last week she visited the Paramus store.  The outline for the presentation was as follows:

1. Yellow: The New Neutral 
2. Pinks 
3. Fancy Pants 
4. The Dramatic Earring 
5. The Clutch 
6. Silver Shoes 
7. Prints 
8. Tribal 
9. Sports Influence 
10. The Spring Face 

I promise to go into more detail on this list in the following weeks.  For now, use this as a guide when you begin to add new pieces to your wardrobe this season.  Not only for everyday ensembles, but also for formal wear.  This list actually ties in to my gown presentation that I did for the Short Hills store.  Once you have a good understanding of "the List", apply it every time you get dressed.  Try to add an element of color, accessorize with silver instead of gold or possibly start mixing a couple of prints to create a fab new look.


A big Thank You to Neiman's to help making it much easier to be fashionable this season!


                                                                                                                            - Allison

Louboutin Madness (plus a contest!)

It's hard to believe that Christian Louboutin shoes have been around for 20 years.  But, alas, it's true.  It has been 20 years of fabulous designs and the most coveted red sole!  In honor of Louboutin's 20th anniversary, NMdaily ( the Neiman Marcus blog) and the Neiman Marcus Facebook page have created "Sole Seekers".

"Sole Seekers" is a social media challenge that asks participants to grow an online pictorial spread of Louboutin shoes from now until March 10th.  Pictures of your favorite Louboutins can be submitted through Instagram or Twitter.  One winner will be chosen at random to win a free pair of Christian Louboutin shoes!!!

For the official “Sole Seekers” rules, read below: 

-        Participants are encouraged to submit photos of either their own Christian Louboutin shoes, Christian Louboutin shoes they see at Neiman Marcus stores or on NeimanMarcus.com via Instagram or Twitter.
 
-        Photos submitted via Instagram and Twitter must contain @NeimanMarcus, @LouboutinWorld, and  #NMLoubiLove in the caption to be entered to win.

-        All images will be aggregated in a single online feed.

-        After one month a rich album of Christian Louboutin imagery will have developed on the“Sole Seekers” Facebook tab and NMdaily post. One winner (who submitted an image) will be selected at random.

-        Users may enter as many times as they like from both Instagram and Twitter, but must submit different images each time.

-        Users submitting images of shoes not manufactured by Louboutin will be disqualified. 

Alright ladies, it is time to start snapping away... A free pair of Louboutin's are on the line!

A pic that I took at the Short Hills Neiman Marcus...

*Photos courtesy of neimanmarcus.com.

                                         - Allison

                                                                                                                

Prepping for My Big Day!

I am off to pull clothes today for my first fashion show!  I will be the stylist and the host... in other words, it will be         a-mah-zing!  The show is focused on gowns for a group of ladies who have a black tie gala in April.  I love the fact that the dress code is "creative black tie".  This means I can have a little fun with the looks while also offering some of your more traditional black tie fare.

I am full of excitement mixed with a touch of anxiety.  My anxiety stems from the fact that you can plan and plan to your heart's content, but there is not much you can do until you get to the store.  I will feel much better after my visit to the Short Hills Neiman Marcus this afternoon!

I did manage to do a quick walk-through over the weekend, which helped to calm my nerves a bit.  I saw some fabulous dresses, got some great ideas and fell in love with two pairs of glittery metallic (one silver, one gold) pointy-toe Manolo's.

I am obsessed with this Chanel cocoon cardigan.  I keeping seeing Coco wearing it with a slinky black dress smoking her cigarette...

These Dolce & Gabbana dresses are fab!  The purple lace would be perfect... hopefully they have the right size!

This silk Ralph Lauren dress is so pretty and simple.  Dressed up, it would be a great alternative to a floor length gown.

More Ralph Lauren... I heart this cashmere cardigan.  Something about cashmere and silk gets my heart fluttering!

I love this print!  This is a big gown...maybe even too dressy, but it is so pretty, bright and happy.  Maybe I can dress it down a titch...

Stay tuned... more to come soon.

                                              - Allison

The LWD (little white dress)

My LWD look was inspired by the fact that I was attending a toga party in February.  It's a long story.  

Back to my dress, I wasn't really feeling the toga vibe, so I wore my LWD instead.  First I have been dying to wear this Tibi Mod Shift Dress (I had to purchase it after my post on Shifts - thank you NM gift card!).  When spending more money on a dress, I hem and haw over it for weeks.  I think about all of the different ways that I can wear it... I have to have a bunch. Usually the deciding factor is if I can wear it all year, or at least for 3 seasons.  This shift definitely met and exceeded all of my criteria.  It is a-mah-zing!  The fabric, the fit and the fact that you feel like a million bucks... totally worth it!

Besides the obvious choice of black for shoes and accessories there is animal print, python print, pastels, brights, metallics... it is literally like wearing blank canvas.  The possibilities are endless!  I have already planned my next ensemble... my fur "collar" and my brown riding boots... c'est chic.  I just have to wait for the dress to come back from the cleaners.  Note to self - the LWD is not the best choice to wear to an Italian restaurant.

                                          - Allison

Fun with Maks, Tony & Val

Aside from meeting Rachel Zoe and Ken Downing, my night spent hanging out with Maks, Tony and Val from Dancing With The Stars was of the coolest and a lot of fun!  You might wonder where such a fun event would occur?  Why, it would be Neiman Marcus of course!

This night of champagne, fashion, hors d'oeuvres and drooling over the men of DWTS was in honor of Maks' birthday.  The highlight of the evening was special performance courtesy of Dance With Me Studios.

Check out the slideshow below for a quick slideshow.  For a full report on the evening, plus a chance to watch the dance performance, check out my post on NMdaily.  I have a sneaking suspicion you might want dance lessons for Valentine's Day after watching this...

                                  - Allison

*photos courtesy of Ken Goodman.  Music is Waka Waka by Shakira.

The Most Gorgeous Jewelry... maybe ever.

The Alligator Cuff with Sapphires - I am in love!

Not too long ago, I had the chance to chat with the very talented jewelry designer, Nina Runsdorf.  You might be wondering who Nina is, as I was before I met her.  She is a very private person and it is very difficult to find any information about her or her jewelry.  In a situation such as this, it was great to go right to the source.

Nina started her career in accessories design.  After working with the likes of Banana Republic and Ralph Lauren, Nina started designing one of a kind pieces upon request.  Eventually she started her precious jewelry line, NSR.  It is now sold at select Neiman Marcus stores.  Her precious jewelry line is amazing!  It is very hard to put into words how beautiful, original and wearable the jewelry is... when I first approached her cases my jaw dropped at the beauty, and I had to a double-take to make sure that I was in the fine jewelry department.  Her jewelry has the coolness associated with costume jewelry, it is just too bad (for me!) that theses pieces cost thousands of dollars.  For example, I was able to look at a $200,000 diamond chain opera length necklace!  It was beautiful and very precious.  So precious, that they removed it from the safe for me to look at, and then promptly put it back in the safe!

However, there is a silver lining... Nina has launched a silver line, Silver, Skin & Stone, that is much more affordable.  It has all of the beauty and originality of the NSR line, but silver and semi-precious stones are used.  This line is sold exclusively at Neiman Marcus.

Aren't you curious?  Check out my post for NMdaily for more info on Nina, her jewelry and some pics!

The Diamond Chain Necklace

            

                                             - Allison

Get Your Shift On!

The Spring is upon us.  We technically have two more months, and a lot of winter to get through, but that doesn't stop retail.  We are nearing the end of Resort and ushering in the Spring trends, yet I can't really see myself wearing flats until at least March.  So, instead of telling me what to pack on my vacation, I would really appreciate ideas on how to wear all of these colorful pieces now!  Let's face it, we all would like to add something new to our wardrobes, but there is no need to buy something that we can't wear for at least two months.  It will be on sale by then!

As we are bombarded by the latest trends, I have tried to sort them out... color is in, but so are pastels.  Mod is back and so is the Flapper.  The Seventies are still around and we can't forget the Eighties... hello, neon!  Sequins, lace, fringe, and ruffles are popular as well as clean lines.  However, one of the biggest and most undisputed themes is a nod to femininity.  Ladylike dressing is very important this season as it was in the Fall.  A good piece of advice - when in doubt, dress like a lady.

Keeping femininity as our focus, I would like to introduce The Shift.  The shift is known for it's simple styling, higher neckline and straight or A-line shape.  In other words, it is a dress that will always have a place in your closet, and can be worn all year.  There are short shifts and longer ones for the more mature, crazy patterns, demure prints - most importantly there is something for everyone.  This season the shift is back in full force and is the perfect pick to wear now and later.  It does depend on the style, but the shift can be worn with tights and boots (or booties), a sweater, a blazer, a tee or turtleneck underneath.  It is a perfect way to add some color on a dreary day without looking like you stepped out of a spring catalog.

Some shifts that I have my eye on right now...

This Animal Print Shift is one of many available at Topshop.  I liked the animal print because it is a little more exciting.  It is the perfect wear to work with a blazer or out at night with some sexy heels and a great belt.  The definition of an easy shift that is very versatile.

I can't help it, but this Sachin + Babi dress makes me think of Working Girl.  I keep thinking of the Eighties and power suits... Anywho, I love the dress!  I think this is fab for all ages.  It would look great with a pop of color layered underneath or some fun shoes.  Add a belt for a different look.  So many options with this dress.

You can never go wrong with DVF, and this is a great example.  The Diane Hanky Shift Dress makes a statement on it's own, but would look great with color too.  I don't think I would belt it, but is the perfect canvas for fun jewelry and shoes.

I love Tibi!  I can't really afford Tibi, but I like to dream.  With a nod to mod, this Tibi Shift Dress is a great wear now wear later piece.  Enough said.

What would a post be without a little J.Crew?  This J.Crew shift is fun, colorful and would look great on everyone.  I think it would look just as cute with snow boots as it would with wedges.

And now for the dress that I will definitely never own, but love... Derek Lam's Colorblock Shift.  I love how the colorblocking is used to give a flapper feel to the dress. If I owned this, I would have to wear it once a week.  I am totally serious.  And, I believe that I could go at least six weeks without wearing the same way twice.  It is amazing how versatile the shift can be!

Make sure a shift is one of your new purchases this season.  You won't regret it!

                                          - Allison

*Photos courtesy of neimanmarcus.com, shopbop.com, topshop.com.

Color is Key - Resort 2012

The holidays are over, sales are upon us, there is Valentine's candy at the grocery store and for all of fashionistas out there, we begin to wonder "what's next?".  While the fashion world is gearing up for Fashion Week next month, we are left to focus on Resort.  Resort collections are always fun.  Usually full of bright colors and prints as well as some stripes here and there... it always refreshing as we face the dreaded winter months.

Not too long ago, Kareen Mallet, the ready-to-wear director at Neiman Marcus, visited the Paramus store to update us on the Resort 2012 trends.  It was a great show!  Loads of fab looks and accessories... to find out more, check out my post on NMdaily.

                                                                                                                 - Allison

Ken on Project Runway All Stars... tonight!

Tonight begins one of the most anticipated seasons of Project Runway... the All Stars version.  Personally, the anticipation has been killing me!  Thirteen of our most favorite contestants, an unbelievable prize, and my beloved Neiman's sponsoring the accessories wall... this is going to be good.  And for all of you not completely familiar with the show, the fact that Neiman's is sponsoring the wall means the style quotient just went way up... seriously!

One more very important reason that you should all watch tonight... my favorite fashion director Ken Downing is the guest judge!  If you have never seen Ken in action, this is your chance... he is fabulous!

For a refresher on the cast, check out The Cut's cliff notes version... very informative!  For more info on my favorites (they are so cool in person!) Austin Scarlett and Elisa Jiminez, check out my write up for NMdaily.

Let the drama begin...

                                                                         
         
                                                                                                      - Allison