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.

Transition with Style

Well, it is that time of the year again.  We are nearing the end of summer (vacation, that is), I am tired of it being too hot to wear anything other than a swimsuit, and I am currently drooling over all of the new fall clothes.  What is a girl to do?

Most importantly, I keep telling myself not to buy any fall clothes... yet.  Instead, focus on all of the amazing sales right now.  And, if I am going to buy anything new, it must be transitional.  I know that you are probably sick of hearing about transition pieces, but it is true.  If you are going to spend any money on clothes right now, it should be for something that you are going to wear for more than a month or two.

What should you buy?  A midi length skirt or cami style midi dress.  With the there being so much emphasis on the 1930's style of dressing this fall, plus the 1970's influence still out there, these two styles are perfect for wearing now and later.  If you are a little hesitant, just think about it for a minute...  a fluid skirt that hits just below the knee screams elegance, and there is something sexy and comfortable about a silk (or silkish) dress that doesn't show off too much leg.  Plus, the layering options are endless.  This could be a purchase that you wear all year!

This style skirt or dress can be worn to work, to dinner, out on the town or even running errands.  You could wear the skirt with a tank, blouse sweater or jacket.  The dress can be worn with basically the same items.  The best part is that you can wear it tomorrow in 90 degree weather with wedges or in 40 degree weather with your most fabulous faux fur and booties.  I believe that I have found the most versatile transitional pieces this season, seriously!

If you are not quite sure what I am going on and on about, I have several examples below.  Anthropologie couldn't be a more perfect store for this look.  Yumi Kim and Tucker by Gaby Basora are also good choices, but a bit pricier.  Zara, Topshop, and Asos are fabulous sites for finding the contemporary styles at reasonable prices.

                                             - Allison

*Photos courtesy of anthropologie.com & yumikim.com