Outfit Idea: Wear now, Wear later

Maxi dresses and I... we're like peanut butter & jelly.  Inseparable.  When it comes to a style that is versatile, chic and elegant, I immediately think of the maxi.  Not just for dressing up, they are a great "go to" for everyday as well.

Lately, I have begun to think about transitioning into fall (hard to believe, right!), but it will be here before you know it.  This has led me to debating which are the best styles to purchase now to get the most bang for my buck (i.e. wear now, wear later).  After much deliberation, I have put the maxi at the top of my list.

With that being said, there are obviously some maxis that are not conducive for transition while others are perfect.  This also depends on your lifestyle.  I decided to google some images for layering maxis and found several to use for inspiration...  Whether you are working in the city or carting kids around in your suburban all day, there is a style for you.

My ideal wardrobe would be a closet full of gorgeous floor grazing maxis.  However, that is not always the best choice for mobility or layering.  And, there are many beautiful maxis out there, so it makes these decisions all very difficult.  

My advice is to start simple.  As always, you should start with the basics and build from there... therefore, no fuss dresses are the best way to start.  I found a fab Rachel Pally dress at Shopbop that was styled for a "wear now, wear later" story.  Love, love, love these looks.  It is great for inspiration.

This is perfect for a night out.

This is a great look for the weekend.

And, for the Fall... love!

Plus, maxis are much more comfy than jeans!

                                                                                                                                  - Allison

*Photos courtesy of google and shopbop.com.

Currently Coveting: Tory Burch Pre-Fall

My goal has has been to try to focus on the season that we are currently in rather than jumping ahead to Fall... especially when it is still 90 degrees everyday.  However, that all went out the window when I spied a certain very gorgeous pair of Tory Burch shoes the other day.

I don't know about you, but I seem to have a very funny relationship with Tory Burch.  More of a love/hate relationship I would say... I absolutely love many of her jackets, dresses, coats, shoes, bags - I guess you could say everything!  But, I hate her prices.  And so this relationship begins again, right wear it left off this Spring...

I have been very taken with many of TB's pre-Fall styles.  It might have to do with her use of navy blue - navy is my signature color, you know.  Or, it might have to do with the sophistication.  Either way, I must share with you two standouts... shoes that are neutral and fabulous enough to look good now, in a couple of months or next year.

Watersnake Venice Sandal - Let's face it, this shoe would look perfect with anything.  I would tend to wear these with dresses and skirts... all types, long and short, slim or flowing.

Patent Leather Lolita Pump - Their is something very feminine and sexy about this shoe... it would also look fabulous with a wide variety of styles.  I do like the idea of it with a sexy sheath or pencil skirt.  Or, a great pair of cropped pants... baggy or with a slim fit.

I suppose it is time to start thinking about transitioning Summer into Fall.  These would definitely be great transition shoes, or maybe their will be a Friends and Family sale...

                                                                                                                        - Allison

*Photos courtesy of toryburch.com.

What would Jenna wear?

Yesterday afternoon, I happened upon this post about Jenna Lyons (president & creative director of J.Crew) in the Huffington Post.  It is a collection of photos of Jenna and the meaning behind some of the knickknacks in her office.  I love everything about Jenna Lyons, but what really struck me was how she is J.Crew.  She somehow managed to transform a store that had gotten itself into a bit of a rut, into this mecca of affordable cool.  Obviously a very talented and creative person (with quite a vision), Lyons has infused her own funky mix & match style to change the the way women all over the country dress.  Amazing, right?!

Something else struck me as I was oohing and aahing over her office... Jenna's use of color.  Understandably she wears J.Crew (along with other labels), but she wears color in a very realistic way.  I know that for many women out there, life is not as glamourous as it is for the select few who are dictating the trends.  If you are working, you probably aren't dressing like a fashion editor everyday.  If you are working at home with the kids or in a "virtual office", pj's, yoga pants or jeans are more likely your uniform of choice.  Let's just say that I did laugh to myself thinking about how it was pretty ridiculous to think that I was going to sit down at my computer for several hours a day in my lipstick red DVF dress.  Seriously, between writing, playing with the kids, cleaning the pool or constantly vacuuming up the dog hair, the dress would spend more time at the cleaners!  It's not to say that there isn't a place for it, but it would be a special piece that I wear when meeting with clients or attending an event.  Now the dilemma becomes how to infuse a little fashion into my everyday attire.

Therein lies the beauty of J.Crew.  The pieces are just so easy to wear everyday.  Plus, many items have the ability to be dressed up for special events or a night out.  And, it isn't to say that you must wear J.Crew all of the time (I know that it gets expensive), but it is a good place to start.  At the very least, you might buy a colorful sweater to wear with your rolled up cargo's from Old Navy.  Or, maybe you peruse the website for some ideas, and wait for a sale.  Either way, I believe that it is an example of an easy and relaxed way to inject a little color into your life.  Think about it, a pair of bright red flats could be worn with so many things... just look at Jenna's heels!

I am going to stop rambling about my love of J.Crew.  But before I end, I wanted to share a few images of some things that I would love to wear right now...

For special occasions...

Oh, and I can't forget a very important finishing touch!

Let's just say they are on my wishlist... all available online at jcrew.com.

                                            - Allison

*Photos courtesy of huffingtonpost.com and jcrew.com.

"When in doubt, wear red." - Bill Blass

Red is a vibrant and stimulating color.  It screams energy and immediately draws your eye (therefore, only wear it where you want to accentuate your assets).  Red is supposed to increase enthusiasm, encourage action and confidence, while giving us a sense of protection from our fears and anxieties.  I also found out that it is the color of the root chakra.  The base or root chakra is located at the base of the spine. Supposedly, focusing on the color red allows us to ground our "energetic body".  In other words, it helps us to regroup when we find ourselves "spacing out".  And, red represents beauty in many languages.

With all of the praise and good vibes that red brings, why do we always shy away from this color?  Well, it is a bold color. You will draw attention if you wear a brilliant red dress, skirt or blouse, but is this such a bad thing?  Not at all!  So, now is your chance.  Red is back and bigger than ever this fall.  Not just as an accent, but as the main attraction.  This brings me to the point of this post... a perfect way to transition your wardrobe is to bring a little red into your life.

There are so many options that you will most definitely find the piece that is right for you.  It could be a dress, skirt, blouse, pants or shorts... whatever it is that you makes you feel the most comfortable.  Just remember (as I said before), only wear red where you feel it is befitting to draw attention.  For example, if you are a bit bottom heavy, a red pair of pants or pencil skirt, may not be the most flattering option.  Rather,  focus on a red blouse, a-line dress or fuller skirt.  

Let's get on with it, shall we...

Cacharel

Asos

DVF

MARC by Marc Jacobs

Joie

Elie Tahari

Sexy chic courtesy of Victoria's Secret

To make the transition to red even easier, Harper's Bazaar gave some great advice this month... wear red with python print accessories and gold jewelry.  This is the perfect way to wear red now and into the chillier weather.  Happy shopping!

                           - Allison

*Photos courtesy of neimanmarcus.com, asos.com, dvf.com, shopbop.com, victoriassecret.com

A new found friend... the Tunic

As many of you know, I have been going on and on for months now about how much I love maxi skirts and dresses!  I still do, but for some occasions they don't quite feel appropriate.  In my line of work I don't really have to worry about dress codes.  I can wear maxi's everyday... to run errands, write blog posts, meet with a client... totally acceptable.  But, for the typical working woman, I am fairly certain that she is not as agreeable with me on this topic.  Therefore, I would like to introduce a newer love of mine, the tunic.

DVF' Squaretan Dress - love!!!

Yes, a tunic is the name give to several different types of clothing, those of which are all varying lengths.  Most of us are more familiar with a longer style of shirt that is worn over pants or leggings.  However, some tunics (there seem to be quite a few this fall) that are actually long enough to wear as a dress, yet can also be worn over pants.  Brilliant!  The basic style for the tunic is more of a long and loose silhouette.  Worn as a dress it will be shorter (it really depends on your height), but most styles are not too short for the office.  The breeziness and lack of structure is perfect for the versatility of the tunic.  This shape allows you to wear it loose with long pendants or scarves, belted, layered over long sleeve tee's or t-necks with tights or pants.  The options really are limitless.

Gestuz Blue Marble Print Tunic Dress

I was recently inspired by the tunic after receiving a silk version from one of my favorite brands... Tucker.  The tunic is almost to my knees (I did size up), which is great to add a bit of length and more of a relaxed fit.  The only problem is that it is a tad sheer, but that is easily solved with a neutral color slip (a colorful one could be added for some fun!).  Originally I had been very excited by this being such a good transition piece for the fall.  I wasn't even thinking about the fact that it is a perfect piece to wear all year!

Tucker's Long Silk Tunic... a must-have!!!

As far as the versatility, I recently wore it a networking event as a dress with some cute wedges.  I am also thinking about taking it with me to LA to meet RZ!  I would wear it with some booties and possibly a belt. Then I thought about how great it would look with a waffle knit long sleeve tee underneath and my faux fur vest.  Over skinny jeans it will look great, and I might be able to belt it and wear it over my wide legged jeans as well!  You really can't beat a piece of clothing that is going to take you this far.  I am definitely planning on adding a few more to my collection... you should too!

                                 

                                             - Allison

*photos courtesy of dvf.com, asos.com, bergdorfgoodman.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