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.

Can't take the country out of the girl...

You can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl.  Okay, I may have grown up in Ohio, but it was in a suburb.  Not as country as those who have teased would like to think, but those farm jokes never get old.

However, I did grow up with a father who would have liked to believe that he was a transplanted cowboy.  Therefore, he always added a touch of country to his most suave ensembles... usually in the form of cowboy boots.  I never really put two and two together until just recently.  I don't think that it is any accident that most of the boots I own have a western flair.

The cowboy thing, my addiction to J. Crew, my undying love for dresses and dressing up makes for a very interesting take on the trends.  A perfect example would be my recent dinner ensemble.  It was my anniversary last week (eight years!), and on this very stormy evening Greg (the hubs) and I decided to take our girls out to dinner.... we couldn't get a sitter.
My need to dress up, the rain and the fact that G&E were joining us, led me to an ensemble that even had Greg making comments.  Men!  Will they ever understand?

I started with a very poofy, taffeta J. Crew miniskirt.  There she is...

I added a pinch of preppy (Tippi sweater), a touch of elegance (jewelry) and whole lot of western flair (Frye boots and belt).

Drenching rain, some cocktails and very well-behaved daughters resulted in a fun evening and terrible looking hair!

I am starting to think that it isn't just a coincidence that Emma adores her pink cowboy boots...

                                                                                                                                     - Allison

Oh là là... the mid calf boot

With the start of Fall only days away (yay!!) and some refreshingly cool temps right around the corner, it is time to bring out the boots.  The most important question - Which style is right for me?

The beautiful thing about the millions of boot varieties available right now is that it is almost impossible not to find the right boot for you.  Granted, not every boot is perfect for every look, but you can find a pair that will meet most of your needs based on your lifestyle, wardrobe and overall style.

I wanted to focus in on a type that tends to get lost in the shuffle... the mid calf boot.  With all of the booties, shoeties, knee high and over the knee boots, this style doesn't get the airtime it deserves.  These boots aren't for everyone, but if you are one that likes to kick around in a casual bootie, then this style is for you.  Even more important, I find mid calf versions much more flattering and versatile than the standard Dicker boot knockoff.

Mid Calf boots have lots of personalities.  They can be tough...

Frye Veronica Slouch Boot

They can be demure...

Imagine a boot that is a few inches shorter... loved this shot.

Via Spiga Kira Boot

A little bit country...

Marc by Marc Jacobs Cowboy Boot

Just plain cool...

Frye Miranda Slouch Boot

Sophisticated and edgy...

Narciso Rodriguez Colorblock Boot

Fashion forward sexy and chic...

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Isabel Marant Lazio Wedge Boot

You can't go wrong with the mid calf boot.  Short dresses, long skirts, skinnies, possibly even pair of leather leggings... the mid calf boot will take you far.  Definitely my boot of choice this Fall.

*Photos courtesy of revolveclothing.com, piperlime.com, barneys.com, elle.com, teenvogue.com, loefflerrandall.com & netaporter.com.