Fall How to: Take Your Summer Dress to Fall

I bought a little black dress from TJMaxx this summer. It is an empire waist and to the knee. I love it because it is the perfect blank canvas for me to build on and incredibly comfortable to wear. I love this dress so much I didn't want to give it up now the weather is turning colder. Here are the steps I took to take my wonderful dress from summer to fall:

1. I choose a black chiffon blouse to wear underneath because I have to wear black to work. However, in my perfect world I would have chosen my blush colored chiffon blouse because it would have added a bit more color. Needless to say you need to find a lightweight blouse to wear under your dress. This works best if you have a dress with tank style sleeves.

2. Choose a patterned tight. If you go with a monochromatic look like I did choose a patterned tight with either nice texture or a bold pattern. You don't want to look like a walking black, blob so it's important to add a bit of dimension here.

3. A great just under the knee boot. I bought these riding boots earlier in the year and I LOVE them. They have a band of cognac along the top which makes them very lux looking. My boots have no heel because it's easier for me to move around in them if they are a flat.

4. The final step is the most fun! Accessorize! Since both my blouse and my dress are black I knew I needed to step it up a bit with the jewelry. I had several silver necklaces that I decided to layer together to make a statement piece. If you're tight on a budget and can't afford a statement necklace, purchasing lots of single strand necklaces can work just as well. Simply layer them together, looping some around your neck and leaving others long. I tried to choose necklaces that varied a bit in order to give the finished look dimension. And finally I layered silver bracelets as well, a simple silver bangle, my Tiffany bracelet and a silver watch completed my look.

I'm very pleased with my finished look. Not only is it warm, it's also incredibly comfortable! 

Fall How to: Layering

So, layring is HUGE this fall. I know it's popular every season because the weather turns, but this season it is a look to strive for. I'm obsessed with layering and am so so so very excited to wear my clothing in new ways this fall. Here are some of fool proof tips for layering;

1. Begin with a cinched in silhouette and keep adding. I choose a chiffon polka dot blouse and some skinny jeans. To bring more emphasis to my waist I paired a calf-skin belt with my outfit. Keeping the bottom layer streamlined is important so you don't look too bulky once you add the layers.

2. Choose 1 statement piece to add to your look. I choose my triple strand of pearls in this photo. By only choosing one statement piece it will keep your look focused.

3. Add on a great blazer (and if you didn't choose a necklace as your statement piece add one on here) A great blazer not only keeps you warmer but it also completes the look. I found a fantastic grey, tweed blazer at H&M for $30!!! I've already worn it several times.

4. Add on another accessory. If the weather had been even cooler I would have paired my look with a great scarf. Scarves are such a fantastic way to add layering to an outfit without having to think too much about it. Since the day wasn't terribly cold I simply choose my awesome textured bag from Piperlime and a nude pair of heels. Nude heels make the legs look longer and the bag adds detail without over doing it.

Follow these simple steps and I guarantee you'll fall in the love with the layering trend much like I have!!!!

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Gucci

Yummy. Not a technical fashion term but the only one that immediately comes to mind while viewing Gucci’s new collection. An Italian luxury brand, Gucci captured the easy glamour of an Italian heiress in simple silhouettes accented by ruffles and incredible beading. Mustard yellow, aqua blue, hot pink, emerald green and python prints in various colors were all part of the Spring/Summer 2013 collection. Gucci perfectly showcased billowy sleeves; biased cut dresses and belted jackets and pantsuits demonstrating an impeccable affinity for tailoring. Dramatic jeweled necklines and shoulders took ruffled and biased cut gowns from beautiful to extraordinary. A black halter gown with a low cut back was a definite highlight and could easily be imagined on any upcoming award’s red carpet. 

Photos compliments of Style.com

Burberry Prorsum

London Fashion Week Day 4
 

It’s day four of London fashion week and if the rest of the week is as fantastic as today we have incredible things to look forward to. The runway at Burberry Prorsum was anything but boring. Chief Creative Officer, Christopher Bailey nailed the London it-girl look with incredible garments in fantastic colors like deep navy blue and olive green. Models strutted down in textured trenches made from green lace and belted at the waist with an evergreen, silk sash, balloon sleeved cropped jackets and stunning bustiers fitted to perfection. Double breasted jackets; buckle details and khaki fabrics made it clear military inspired fashion still has a place in your spring/summer wardrobe. What Burberry did to perfection was balance the hard edge of the military accents with the lux look of shimmery silks and textured feathers. The blend created the opulent, yet classic look they are known for.

Photos from Style.com

Buenos Dias Senor Lauren

Ralph Lauren at NYFW

Ralph Lauren has delivered some of the most exquisite garments over the years. His spot on tailoring and impeccable eye for good silhouettes have made him an American favorite; even leading him to design the American Olympic team uniforms for the 2012 Olympics. Laurens iconic look has come to epitomize the American Dream. For Spring/Summer 2013 reds, teals and whites adorned models wearing garments inspired by Latin and Spanish cultures. With Matador suits, serapes and fringe, Lauren wove together a visually stunning picture of what Europe would look like at the hands of an inspired designer. It is these looks one would imagine a character out of an Ernest Hemingway novel wearing. But perhaps one of the most inspiring gowns to sashay down the runway was a black, silk, column dress with strands of jet beads draping off the shoulders and down the back. The theatrics didn’t end there; a white blouse dress with a frothy chiffon skirt and a white gown with a plunging neckline and bright red flower on one hip rounded out the collection. Front row guests Jessica Alba and Olivia Wilde could easily be seen wearing any one of Lauren’s exotic creations. 

 Photos courtesy of Style.com

Rachel Zoe NYFW

Perhaps since the glory days of Anna Wintour no one has ruled the fashion world quite like Rachel Zoe. With an eye for style and a commanding presence, it’s no wonder starlets flock to work with the New Jersey born stylist. With only a few shows under her belt, critics claim Rachel Zoe is still discovering her voice on the catwalk. However, this collection had plenty of items to praise and celebrate over. Creating variations of the pantsuit in soft, drapy fabrics Zoe was able to bring to life the SoCal vibe she is infamous for. 

Over-sized bags, belts and floppy hats kept off the shoulder dresses in silks, chiffon and sequence from being taken too seriously. Well put together models sauntered down the runway showcasing what Rachel Zoe is known for, her styling capability. With spot on accessories, which did occasionally distract from the garments, Zoe was able to put together looks buyers could purchase directly from the runway. Unexpected but pleasing, was the use of jewel tones in burnt oranges and deep blue/greens. By using colors traditionally reserved for fall, Zoe was able to give classic spring/summer shapes a fresh look.  

 

Photos compliments of Style.com

Lela Rose at Fashion Week

Some would think work of artist Jim Hodges would be an unlikely place for a designer known for feminine detailing to find inspiration. However, Hodges’ use of organic materials and intricate design meld beautifully with Lela Rose’s simple silhouettes to create the whimsical elegance she is known for. Lela translates Hodges wispy floral prints into ethereal cocktail gowns and incorporates chain necklaces and detailed lace, bringing to life the intricate webs created by the artist. Known for allowing embellished fabrics to capture attention, the inspiration found in Jim Hodges’ work appears a perfect fit.  However, those who fell in love with the designer’s dresses reminiscent of a by-gone era do not fret. Once again, this collection does not disappoint. Lela continues to maintain impeccable quality and a couture sensibility.  She remains true to her design aesthetic by utilizing fabrics in sorbet colors and maintaining emphasis on a nipped in waist. It is this kind of attention to detail and well-executed designs that have earned her followers like Mischa Barton, Mariska Hargitay and Selma Blair. Like the work of Jim Hodges, Lela’s newest collection is diverse, giving buyers a plethora of dreamy garments to choose from. 

Photos compliments of style.com