Category Archives: Fashion Inspiration

Jewel Tones for Fall 2011


One of my favorite trends off of the Fall 2011 Runways was the boldness of color in every jewel tone.

Pamella Roland, Carolina Herrera, Alice + Olivia

The applications have been endless:  color blocking, monochromatic,  and color family pairings.

Eva Longoria in Victoria Beckham

Jennifer Lopez in Gucci

Sarah Jessica Parker in Prabal Gurung via InStyle

So, how do you get this bright and still very sophisticated look? Pick classic and simple shapes, pick bold (and skin tone flattering) colors, take some risks and be confident.

Jewel Tone for Fall 2011

Source: Blazer, Blouse, Blouse, Dress, Platform, Loafer, Pump, Handbag, Jean, Skirt, Skirt, Dress

So, now that I have reviewed my favorite Fall 2011 trends, which is your favorite?

Printed Lady for Fall 2011


This summer I was in love with tribal inspired prints and patterns and was excited to see more of the same on the Fall 2011 Runways.  For Fall the look is still exotic but perhaps because of the darker and richer colors, the chartreuse, gold, plums, and berries it feels richer, a bit more regal, but still very well traveled.

La Bohome: Oscar de la Renta, Naeem Khan, L.A.M.B.

My favorite ways to replicate that high-end, runway look are here:

The Bohemian Lady for Fall 2011

Source: Dress, Dress, Dress, Maxi, Jacket, Blouse, Skirt, Bag, Bracelets, Earrings, Ring

 

 

Are you into prints for fall?  Would you wear this very bold and colorful look?

Glittering Gold for Fall 2011


A classic trend in evening wear, and one that was a star for me on the Fall 2011 runways was the abundance of muted, but still glistening gold.  In a variety of textures the gold that walked the runway was more tarnished, aged, and organic without losing any of it’s sparkle.

Golden Girls: Monique Lhuillier, Jenny Packham, Donna Karan

An obvious choice for evening wear, these gold pieces are glamorous and include an additional element of sophistication so as to never be compared with your Bat Mitzvah dress.

Here are some ways to wear gold that says fabulous, not flash.

Golden Era, Fall 2011

Source: Gown, Dress, Dress, Dress, Fringe Skirt, Patch Skirt, Tiered Skirt, Pump, Bow Clutch, Clutch, Earrings

What do you think?  Gold digging for Fall 2011?

Wear White, Cream, Ivory After Labor Day


Today is the first day after Labor Day, in otherwise known as the day after the last day it is socially appropriate to wear white.

I scoff, balk and laugh at that rule.  White is a neutral color, and in shades of cream, vanilla, and ivory it an essential for winter.  Fall/Winter White speaks to the dreamy life that Michael Kors has created for the luxe urbanite enjoying city living, and that Ralph Lauren has perpetuated for the girl who dreams of a mountain home and a ride on her own horse.

Do not be afraid of white for fall.  Here are some great ways to use white as a neutral all year round.

White is All Right, all year long

 Source: Stripe Sweater, Skirt, Booties, Sweater, Denim, Loafers, Sweater, Cords, Slippers, Dress, Boots

Tips to wearing white in winter:

  • Pay attention to fabric: this is not time for lace, eyelet, linen or cotton
  • Pair with neutral: white pairs beautifully with camels, golds, grays, black, and saturated navy, reds and greens.
  • Keep it clean: the beauty of this look is how it crisp it plays.  No one likes dingy whites, no matter the season.

 

Deco for Fall 2011


I have always loved the art deco aesthetic.  Growing up in South Florida it wasn’t uncommon to take a day trip to South Beach and see the old art deco hotels (Colony, Raleigh, National) and go to the Art Deco Show on Ocean Drive.  Similarly I have had the opportunity to play dress up in, and admire the jewelry of my nanny and nana who have collected in this style for many years.  So, it was quite a delight to see it on the Fall 2011 Runways.

The look of the art deco style is draped silks and fabrics, a dramatic but skinny v-neckline, sleek hair, dresses galore, sparkle, and large often geometric bejeweled bracelets, rings and earrings.

My favorites from the runway:

Deco for Fall: Ralph Lauren, Tracy Reese, Naeem Khan

What is lovely about the art deco style is that there is simplicity in the silhouette but not without making a statement.  Even a simple black dress can make a bold statement with this kind of execution.

So, lucky for us (me!) J.Crew has done a fall collection of art deco inspired jewelry with Lulu Frost, a jewelry brand founded in 2004 by Lisa Salzer.  Here are some of my favorites for your jewelry box.

Lulu Frost for J. Crew

And should you wish to try the art deco style, here are some favorites for your wardrobe:

Deco for Fall 2011

Source: Sheath, Tank, Dress, Mini Dress, Pump, Tank Dress, Kimono, Top

More trends coming soon!  Are there trends you want to see visualized?  Do tell in the comments!

Black Magic for Fall 2011


It’s time to get ourselves ready, and by ourselves I mean our closets, for fall.  I have already made a visual wish list for Julie, and now I am working through my favorites themes from Fall Fashion Week 2011.

The pervasive theme for fall was bold and highly saturated color, however, we would be kidding ourselves to think that fashion would abandon the non-color, color black.

My favorites from the runway:

L - R: Ralph Lauren, Elie Tahari, Milly by Michelle Smith, Michael Kors

On first glance, they have nothing in common beyond their color.  But look further… There is movement, exoticism, layering, something special.  This is not your basic black. This is high-powered, glamorous, strong, fierce and sophisticated.

And, I’d like to think, that when paired together well, these pieces exude that same kind of magic.

Black Magic - Fall 2011

Source: Maxi, Shift, Shirt, Tee, Pleat Skirt, Legging, Maxi Skirt, Jacket, Cape, Necklace, Cuff, Cuff

More color coming soon!  Are there trends you want to see visualized?  Do tell in the comments!

Fall Wish List, for Julie


The other day I had the following conversation with my sister, Julie:

Me: What is on your fall wish list?

Julie: Replace my Chinese Laundry brown boots with boots that I enjoy with jeans, leggings and skirts b/c those don’t go with skirts and I need to be able to wear boots to work, colored denim – in a red and maybe an awesome blue or mustard or something – no jackets, I’m prob good on scarves, ooh I kind of want a suede flat – like a boat shoe or loafer, obviously more maxi dresses and like 3-4 awesome sweaters in bright fall colors – purple, green, etc – and that’s it for now

Me: great job, nice selections

Julie: Thank you

Me: I particularly like how you say, “enjoy” with skirts

What I like about this look: It is a mix of a lot of things, with a focus on color.  Julie often has a bolder vibe than I do, but walks the fine line between DC conservative and bohemia.

Julie’s Fall
Source: Maxi Dress, Stripe Dress, Sweater Dress, Polish, Loafers, SlippersCardigan, Sequin Top, Sequin Cardigan, Envelope, Maxi Skirt, Midi Skirt, Skinny Jean, Flare Jean, Suede Boots

What do you think, Jules?

What is on your fall wish list?

Weekend by the Lake


The idea of a weekend by the lake during these last few weeks of summer sounds so dreamy and idyllic.  In my head its filled with slow to rise mornings, big mugs of coffee, fresh orange juice, oversize couches and cozy blankets, wide plank decks, and hazy sunsets, walks by the lake, and thick cable knit sweaters.

I love sweaters, even in August, and the lake sounds like just the perfect place to wear one, and Robert agrees.

Robert Redford and Barbra Streisand, The Way We Were

The look is super Americana, like Hubbel (in The Way We Were – please go see it): casual, well worm, and functional.

Weekend by the Lake

Source: Sweater, Belt, Shorts, Sweater, Tank, Jeans, Hoodie, Jeans, Sunglasses, Blanket, Moccasins

Would you wear this look, or am I alone in my love for late summer sweaters?

American (Fashion) Pride


The end of the week was so busy, and so far Saturday has been pretty rainy and low key… which has given me plenty of time to unwind and surf the Internet, as opposed to clean the house…  no thanks.

Anyway, with a visit to Vogue I came across these images, and can’t believe I missed them originally.

Oh the Florida girl and her fully unfunctional swimwear…  That is soo Florida.  P.S. love the mermaid curls and icy eyes.

Walking on Florida Sunshine, via Vogue

This is what I would have hoped to have looked like on our trip to Jackson HoleNorth by Northwest as imagined by Lynn Yaeger.

North by Northwest, via Vogue

How sweetly North East is this picture?  The bold anorak, the natural brows and freely wavy hair, the thick cable sweater?  This is the picture of a pre-clambake day.

Maine Attraction, via Vogue

What cities really inspire your sense of style?

Bright and Tan


Bright and tan; that’s a nice summation of summer, right?  The guys at Dsquared² have carried that vibe well past fall and into their collection for Resort 2012.  Resort is a “mini-season” wedged between the fall and spring collection, originally designed for people who “visit resorts”.

In any case, I am loving this collection.  It is beyond perfect, to me.  It is bright, sunny, conservative enough, playful enough, and completely accessible.

Frankly, I would jump into any of these looks, right now.

Dsquared² Resort 2012

Two things: 1) These pants are the perfect length.  I am a tall girl, and I take issue with pants that are too long or too short.  But, these, they are perfect.  The mid-rise elongates the leg and the belted waist accentuates curves. 2) The color!  Typically you think, hot pink is too hot.  Not so when neutralized by the more conservative khaki, camel and honey, and all American denim blues.

Dsquared² Resort 2012

One word: Silhouette.  1) I love the juxtaposition of a sleeve on a shift; it calls back to a more conservative era, but in this application looks completely modern and fresh.  Kudos for the flight-attendant chic scarf.  2) In a collection this colorful it really says something that even the black pieces aren’t basic.  I love the draping, the shoulder (bow-tiful), the puddle at her feet.

Dsquared² Resort 2012

Source: Style.com

Even though it is intended for the middle of winter, it feels perfect to transition from late summer into August.  Like back to school shopping, this collection has me excited for crisper and cooler weather.

If you want this look now, and for less:

Bright and Tan

Source: Trench Coat, Blouse, Denim, Clutch, Belt, Shirt, Skirt, Belt, Satchel, Glasses, Scarf, Bracelet, Sandals

What do you think?  Does this look and style have you excited for the change of seasons?