Trend Alert: Pretty in Peplum

Peplums - super chic, polished, a little sexy and a bit daunting.  They look fabulous with a slim pencil skirt or narrow pants.  They flatter many figures by creating an hourglass silhouette that is very feminine and fresh, while enhancing curves or hiding flaws.  

In other words... you need to add this to your wardrobe this Fall.  Consider the peplum a must have.  The peplum jacket or top will fit in with any woman's existing wardrobe (we all own a pencil skirt or a pair of slim cut pants or jeans).  Plus, due to the drama the peplum creates, you need to keep a minimalistic approach.  Therefore, not much else is needed... except for a killer pair of heels.

Lanvin's Fall 2012 RTW show presented us with a few ah-mah-zing looks...

Bergdorf's also gives us some fab ideas for styling the peplum... albeit very high end ideas, but inspiring all the same.

Stella McCartney

Givenchy

Alexander McQueen

The Row

Alice + Olivia

Alexander McQueen

Carolina Herrera

Now that you are completely infatuated with this look (I know I am), we just have to find one at a reasonable price point.  Well, I found some cool shots from Ann Taylor's Fall Collection courtesy of Glamour.com...

And, Anthropolgie has this very cute Ponte Peplum Tank in a variety of colors...

As well as the very chic Fustanelle Jacket...

As the peplum trend continues, I will keep you posted with other fabulous tops, jackets and dresses as I come across them.  Until then, happy shopping!

                                                                                                           - Allison

         

*Photos courtesy of nymag.com, bergdorfgoodman.com, glamour.com and anthropolgie.com.

Currently Coveting: The Dome Satchel

I think that is safe to say that we would all love to own an "It" bag one day.  It probably will never happen, but that is what daydreaming is for...  However, there are so many beautiful bags, it is hard to keep track of all of them.  I feel like it is a constant blitz with photos of "who is carrying what", while the Fashion Gods keep promoting the most coveted bags... new ones each month!  So, when it comes to deciding which bag is for you, the decision becomes very difficult.  For me, I still have several favorites that seem to stood the test of time... for at least a few seasons.

The illusive Hermès Birkin Bag.  I would literally die for an oversized one in dark brown crocodile (that sounds horrible, but it is so gorgeous!).

The classic Chanel Quilted Large Flap Bag.  I once saw Jenna Lyons at the Paramus J. Crew carrying a very large version in mint.  It was fabulous!

The rugged Chloe Marcie Shoulder Bag...  This is my "go to" everyday bag.  Big enough for everything, still cool and not too perfect.

The perfect YSL Muse.  Enough said... except that this may be the one to purchase in a black patent or red.  Hmmm...

The always chic Louis Vuitton Alma.  I always see super chic women carrying this around, and I think to myself... if I were to carry this, would I alway look so put together?

The biggest problem about these gorgeous bags is if you were able to buy just one, which would you choose?  For me, it might be an impossible decision to make.  It really depends on your mood, right?  Whether or not you are feeling ladylike, a little boho, possibly a bit French...

It is just too bad that these bags require such a large investment.  That is why (for this exact reason) I have been very excited to share Tory Burch's new Robinson Dome Satchel.  Lady-like, polished, structured and at least one third of the price, this bag is a must have for Fall.  The perfect way to indulge in a classic handbag, without going bankrupt.

What I love most about this bag is it's ability to add a certain sense of sophistication to any look.  Whether you are dressed professionally, headed into a day at the office or running around town in your leather pants, this bag keeps you looking like a lady.

It is available in navy, a beautiful luggage brown or black... all very classic color choices.  An excellent choice for those who would like to build a lasting handbag collection.

                                           

                                                                                                                        - Allison

*Photos courtesy of google.com, chanel.com. nordstrom.com, ysl.com, louisvuitton.com and toryburch.com.

Outfit Idea: Rainy Day Brights

Nothing puts a damper on date night like a gray, rainy day.  I had started the day with such high hopes and fun ideas about what I was going to wear that night... until the clouds moved in.  Then the when picked up, the temperature dipped a bit and the skies opened up.  Ugh!  

I do have better things to do than just think about what I am going to wear, but this focus on my clothes is a great procrastination technique.  Rather than working on less exciting tasks, I stared out the window trying to figure out what would be rain appropriate dinner attire.  Then I had an idea...

First I watched the rain...

Then I started looking at my flowers... I am slightly obsessed with the color combinations found in nature.

Then I dug through my closet...  I came across a very "vintage" dress from Anthropologie.  I actually wore this to my bridal shower... no joke!  I love the corset detail and the fuller skirt is very forgiving.  To complete my look, I grabbed my J. Crew Bubble Necklace.

I would have liked to have a little more fun with my bag and shoes...

I love the Neon Stripe Clare Vivier Clutch.

And these gold DVF Jeanette Cutout Sandals would be so much fun...

But, sometimes you just have to make do.  

                                                                                                                                    - Allison

*Photos courtesy of revolveclothing.com and shopbop.com.