NYFW: Standout Look Part Deux

As NYFW continues, so does my quest to find stand out looks that can transition easily into fab Fall ensembles.  Last week it was the little white dress, today it is a feather skirt.

In a season full of leather, sequins and lace, feathers are the perfect way to make your look unique.  The other plus, feathers also transition really well... trust me.

Let's start with the the Tie Dye Feather Skirt from Zara (fun, edgy and affordable)...

Skirt With Tie Dye Feathers

For the perfect fashion week look, or just a super cool work ensemble, I would add a tweedish blazer - the zipper detailing gives it a bit of edge.  This one is from Zara as well, actually, the entire look is from Zara... what can I say, they have great stuff this season.  

With the edgy blazer, I would add a basic white tank (it is still warm) and a perfectly pointy toe black heel.  C'est chic.

Fantasy Fabric Jacket With Zips

Basic T-Shirt

Leather High Heeled Court Shoe

For a cooler weather, less casual look, I love the idea of adding a chunky knit and motorcycle boots.  This is my "go to" for casual cool.  I must add this to my closet asap.

Detailed Knit Jersey

Biker Ankle Boot With Buckle

With looks like these, this is going to be a very fabulous Fall.
                                                                                                       
                                           - Allison

*All photos courtesy of zara.com.

Oh, Leather, I can't get you out of my head!

There is a specific topic that I have been wanting to write about for some time, and have not had a chance.  I was going to pass on it all together since it is already mid-April, but I keep dreaming about a certain Vince dress...  So, let's talk about leather.  For a few seasons and going forward, the leather jacket is as important as a blazer in a woman's wardrobe.  It has taken the place of the cardigan and gives your outfit that unexpected twist and a little edge, plus who doesn't love the feel of a fabulous buttery (real or faux) leather jacket!

Leather has been slowly moving into other wardrobe categories... first it was leggings and skinny pants and now dresses and skirts.  I can't help but covet a sleek pair of black leather skinny pants in the Fall, however, there is something even more appealing about the warm caramel tones used in leather for the Spring.

And now, the Vince dress... a beautiful leather shift that is a-mah-zing!  I can't help to dream about all of the different ways that I would wear it... layered with tights, looking sleek with pumps, add some caged sandals for a bit of edge or maybe make it more demure with a pair of pointy toe flats and a cardi...

And for those who may want a more conservative approach to the leather dress, there is an equally fabulous Tory Burch dress...

Not really a dress person, well, then try the leather skirt... just as versatile as the dress.  You just need find the appropriate style for you!  This Alice & Olivia skirt is for the fun-loving girl...

... and this Tory Burch pencil skirt is for those who would prefer a more sophisticated look.

I can't forget these very fabulous red leather skinny pants from Zara... just because I adore them!

This season leather comes in many styles and at many price points.  Leather is definitely an investment, but this style isn't going anywhere any time soon.  Therefore, it just might be worth the hefty price tag!  Other stores to try for less expensive leather looks are Urban Outfitters, Topshop, and Neiman Marcus

for more conservative pieces

    

                                                  - Allison

*Photos courtesy of toryburch.com, shopbop.com, bloomingdales.com & zara.com

This isn't Your Mother's Suit!

I had a baptism a few weeks ago for my irresistibly adorable neice.  My usual "go to" in these situations is a dress.  This is due to the fact that after racing around the house to get everyone ready, I usually only have a matter of minutes to get myself dressed.  At least with a dress, I know that I will look somewhat put together (as long as my shoes match!).  So, what do I do when the weather is scheduled to be cold and rainy?

So, I stressed and stressed because this in-between weather always confounds me.  I try to plan outfits with layers as well as a cold and warm weather option for shoes, but there always seems to be a catch... such as rain!  Then the suede shoes are out as well as the open toe... hmmm.  Plus, who really wants to wear a dress on a cold and rainy day, especially when you are chasing around your kids.

At this point I am mentally flipping through my clothing.  Trying to figure out what isn't too wintry but will still be okay for the weather... then, I had it.  I will wear a suit... sort of...  Now, I am not a suit person.  I owned one once (a really cute bouclé pencil skirt and jacket reminiscent of the 50's) when I first started working.  And that is it.  So, let's just say my suit isn't what you are expecting.  But, after I wore this, I realized that anyone could wear some version of this suit and it would be perfect for work or for special events.  It is also a great way to have some fun in a more conservative environment.

I started with this DVF blouse that I had gotten a few months ago (it is on sale at dvf.com).  This was a fabulous purchase for me... I absolutely love it and have been able to wear it many different ways!  Oh, and I ordered it one size larger for a more dramatic effect.

Then I added the best pair of black pants that I have ever owned, and no they are not too expensive.  They are from Club Monaco.  I bought them a couple of years ago because they were perfect, and they still are!  They have a higher waist (but not extreme) and are perfectly fitted through the hips and bum.  Then they fall into a classic trouser leg... they look good with anything (and everyone must own a pair of black pants like this!).  This is a pair from Zara that are similar... but have a bit more narrow leg.

Okay, so then I needed a jacket.  Now, I am working on my jackets.  I was never a very big jacket person, but as of late, have favored a cool blazer in place of the cardi's that used to wear day all of the time.  Thanks, to my sister (stylist extraordinaire at Jack Threads), I ended up with a very cute cropped black jacket on sale at Urban for about $20!  And, it was perfect for this occasion!  This is a blazer from Zara that is similar...

I wish that I had a picture of myself.  Just to let you know, I was very happy and comfortable with the outcome!  I will definitely start to seek out more interesting jackets and tops to create more suit-like looks because they do take you so far... daytime, out at night, special events, etc.  Something to think about when you are in a rut, or want to take advantage of something that you already own!

                                          - Allison

*Photos courtesy of needleinahaystack.blogspot.com, 1954 McCall's & Vogue, myvintagevogue.com, matchesfashion.com, zara.com.