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.

Variations on the LBJ

Since I wrote my post on Friday (The New Must Have... the LBJ) I have been obsessing over Julianna Margulies' awesome ensemble.  I promised to come up with some affordable options so that we too could look as fab as she did on Kelly & Michael last week.  I searched all weekend.  And, as I find with all clothes in the reasonable price range - there is never anything that is classically chic.  Everything has to have some detail that makes it more trendy... ugh!  I do not want cut-outs, sequins or extremely flared legs.  I would just like a piece of clothing that I can wear season after season.  Why does it have to be so difficult?

Even more frustrating, I cannot find a full-length picture of Julianna's look for the life of me.  I have searched high and low, and the best I can do are these "headshots" from Tess Giberson's tumblr page.

I am sure that In Style, People or US will have shots soon, but that is not really helping the cause right now.  However, you get a sense of how great she looked.

A bit disappointed with the above, I began pondering other options.  I finally decided to recreate her look with some separates that you may or may not own already.  These pieces really are staples that can be worn in a zillion different ways, and will stand the test of time.  I tweaked the look a bit, but I am loving it...

First, we have the indestructible silk cami...

J. Crew's Silk Cami

Add, possibly, the most perfect pair of black pants...

Theory's Max C Original Tailor Pant

Definitely would wear my most favorite pair of heels this season... who says aubergine can't be versatile?

Jean-Michel Cazabat Emma Two Tone Pumps

Once again, Alexis Bittar has just the right jewelry...

Alexis Bittar Crystal Encrusted Long Spear Necklace

Since we are using aubergine shoes, why not add an emerald green ring...

Alexis Bittar Siyabona Midnight Cushion Ring

 I am crushing on this patent leather bag.  A perfect finishing touch.

3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Minute Bag

Done and done.  This would look great with faux fur or a leather jacket.  If you are going for a more conservative look, a tweed jacket would be fab as well.

                                                                                                                      - Allison

*Photos courtesy of tessgiberson.tumblr.com, jcrew.com, theory.com and shopbop.com.

The New Must Have... the LBJ

I swear I have more to do in the mornings than sit and watch Kelly & Michael, but today I am pretty excited that I did.  I was cleaning up the kitchen, and out walks the first guest... Julianna Margulies.  I always stop what I am doing to watch this part... I have to check out what the celebrities are wearing, duh!

So, Julianna Margulies confidently strides out looking gorgeous in a sleeveless black jumpsuit accented with several gold necklaces (either wrapped or varying lengths) and very cool green and black platform sandals.  The jumpsuit was so great that I must find one immediately.  It was so classic, chic and flattering.  Forget the LBD, go buy the LBJ.

Julianna told Kelly that her friend, Tess Giberson, was the designer.  After googling Tess, I find out that she is a very talented designer (i.e. I loooove her look), but it is expensive.  I guess she will be my new go for inspiring looks.

Her aesthetic is more minimalistic with some tailoring... clean looks, but with great detail to how the garment is constructed.  Here are several looks from Fall 2012, Resort 2013 and Spring 2013.

Beautiful clothes, right?!  But, back to the LBJ... as with any perfect garment, the only tasteful versions seem to be on the expensive side.  I am going to work on a new post trying to find more reasonable versions... hopefully with an image of Julianna Margulies from this morning.

For now, I found these two jumpsuits to give you an idea of what I am referring to...

Elle Ruffled Jumpsuit by Single

L'Agence Wide Leg Jumpsuit

Until next week...

                                                                                                                  - Allison

                        

*Photos courtesy of tessgiberson.com, neimanmarcus.com, farfetch.com.