The Plaid Code

It’s certain that every fall, plaids will be “back” in style.  It’s a good idea to invest in a staple plaid piece that can be used each year.  It can get a bit overwhelming to figure out which plaid piece speaks to you, so below you will find the best of the best that the online world has to offer.  Maybe you are a trendnista and like to invest in mulitple items of a trend or maybe you like to “fashion bank” and invest in one good piece and use it year after year.  Whichever Closetnista you are, plaid is the way to go for fall.

Calling all Minimalist Closetnista’s!

Scarves and bags are your best options to pair with almost anything in your closet. Below are 2 scarves from H&M which are not more than $13 each (www.hm.com) and a Tory Burch Rain Plaid Tote retailing for $350 (www.bloomingdales.com).

Trendnista’s – the girl who loves to be on trend and goes all out for it.

The capelet is everywhere this fall so be sure to get one in a plaid print to max out your style.  Also, mixing faux fur and plaid is also a good idea so that you get texture and print in one piece. From left to right below – Tinley Road Capelet for $89 (www.piperlime.com), BB Dakota for $130 (www.shopbop.com) and on the right is Lauren by Ralph Lauren for $299 (www.nordstroms.com).

  

For all those Busy Professional Closetnista’s, these are great office appropriate options. H&M plaid jacket for $59.95, H&M plaid coat for $29.95 (www.hm.com) and Halogon plaid skirt for $59 (www.nordstrom.com).

Maybe you are the Casual Chic Closetnista – you like to be comfortable but don’t have to go into an office every day.  These options are great to pair with denim for running around all day. Free People $188, Anthracite By Muse $168 and Classiques for $268 all available at www.nordstroms.com.

  

Finally for those that are the Classic Closetnista who like styles that are timeless.  Try these – Burberry Muffler for $450 (www.nordstrom.com), Sweater jacket by Loft for $108 (www.loft.com) and last a classic coat by H&M for $99 (www.hm.com).

  

To a fabulous closet,

The 4 C’s of Fall; Cool, Casual Chic Cardigans

As we say goodbye to summer and embrace fall, we are not quite ready to think about coats and heavy sweaters.  I haven’t found a single person who does not love fall.  With football, baseball playoffs, cooler days the changing of the leaves,  what isn’t there to love?  I always embrace fall by pulling out my cardigans and assessing what I have.  I can layer them over my tank tops and t-shirts and even my button downs when it gets to be November.  They work with shorts if it’s a hot day like in San Francisco or jeans if you are in the North West.  I’ve scoured the fashion pages and stores and here are the new and creative take on the 4 C’s of fall.

   

To add fur trim to your cardigan collection, try these by Alice & Olivia (left), Zara (middle) and Joie.

If you like your cardigan with a twist, then these cardi’s are for you.  Banana Republic is on the left with a pretty lace detail that is good for both work and play.  Nic + Zoe in the middle with a great toggle closure detail and cowl neck – perfect for all body types and ages.  And as always, the great cable knit sweater is a perfect staple piece.  This one is from J.Crew – I love the toggles on it.

Caplets are in this fall and if you are not ready to embrace the whole jacket idea then these cardigans will let you be on trend without being too trendy.  J.Crew on the left is a classic that can work for day and night.  Rachel Pally in the middle is better for a more relaxed look and Michael by Michael Kors is best on the end for a casual chic look.

Happy Shopping!

To a fabulous closet,

 

Boots for all Reasons

My #1 obsession and one of the reasons I can NOT wait for fall/winter every year. I love boots in all shapes and sizes. From fun ankle booties with dresses to dramatic over the knee boots with leggings and a sweater. The downtown girl in her flat moto, the boho girl in the fringe and bold color, the classic girl- the eternal sophisticate, in her structured flat boot. There is a boot for every girl and all are out in full force this season. A good year to be boot obsessed!

 

All photos courtesy of http://www.net-a-porter.com

 

To a fabulous closet,

 

 

 

Spring Forward

It always blows my mind that we are in fall and yet designers at New York Fashion Week just showed Spring 2012. However, I love seeing the photos, reading the editorials and hearing the buzz come back because inevitably they provide great inspiration for fall dressing. The designer’s collections always build on the previous season so as a savvy shopper and a woman of style  it is important to keep looking forward and be a few steps ahead. The collection I found most inspiring and powerful was DKNY. From her back drop to the jaw dropping looks that came down one after the other, it was perfection.

 

To a fabulous closet,

 

 

 

A Little Black Dress

I always recommend an LBD should hang in every woman’s closet. It is one of the top ten must haves that will come in handy all year long. As a great basic, it is a way to incorporate the trends of each passing season and in the meanwhile can still stand on it’s own as an outfit in itself. What other piece has that kind of talent??

Below, 2 steals styled with fall’s trends in mind and 1 splurge standing all on it’s own. Looks courtesy of http://www.net-a-porter.com 

Splendid Cowl Neck Stretch-Jersey Dress $98

Kain Joan Dipped-Hem Jersey Dress $155

Chloe Ribbed Wool and Leather Shift Dress $1420

 

 

To a fabulous closet,


 

 

Your Fall Face

Now that your closet is full of your fall must haves: statement fur, bright colors, a chunky heel, cord bell bottoms, anything in bordeaux and anything in leather, don’t forget about your most important asset…your face! Rich, bold hues translated from ready to wear straight to the makeup counters. The word is Glam. Rich lip sticks, smokey lids with bright colors, and a bold nail polish will perfectly finish off your fall outfits. Here are my favorite looks courtesy of www.neimanmarcus.com

 

 

To a fabulous closet,


 

 

Mix and Match Fall Separates

One of the reasons I LOVE fall/winter is all the textures and layers that you can add into your outfits. Especially because this year separates are back, there are so many opportunities to mix in these fun fabrics! Last year started the incorporation of leather, lace and fur but this year it has really taken off. The femininity and elegance of lace, toughened up with the rocker, downtown city girl in leather and the boho luxuriousness of fur is one of my favorite looks! Add in a chunky knit, silk blouse and a corduroy bell bottom pant and your closet is set! These are outfits I can’t wait to put together!!!

This look from Theory is the perfect example of combining these textures. The Black leather pant, the fox fur coat, and a mohair sweater- a long sleeved lace top would also look to DIE under this coat!

Alexander McQueen’s plaid statement jacket with a removable vest, paired with his tuxedo shirt and Victoria Beckham’s rocker zipper jean shows the art of layering.

Elizabeth and James did an AMAZING fur poncho coat, with a stretch leather pant and a rich rust colored silk top called the “Paris Popover” love the color and fabric combination!

Theory from head to toe featuring 3 major fall trends: the bell bottom corduroy, the knit sweater and the fur vest. GREAT look, effortless style!

 

To a fabulous closet,


 

 

The Chunky Heel

Just when our shoe collection is filled with stilettos, sandals and boots with thinner then thin heels, here they come, strutting down the runways and popping up in every shop window. The chunky heel is back and it’s making a statement this fall.

Miu Miu Trompe l’Oeil Ankle Boot

YSL Palais Suede Mary Jane Platform Pumps

B Brian Atwood Petisca Calf Hair Pumps

 

To a fabulous closet,