If you’re looking for a new fall boot, consider a flat black leather to (or above) the knee style. My closest girlfriend and client, and I just got her the J.CREW Booker Boots in black (NB: the brown that looks great online, but it’s a bit orange in person). Without any hardware, they are totally chic and can be worn day and night. With two young kids, function is key. But for heel-die-hards, petite gals and fall 2011 ’70s trend lovers the Booker boots also come with a “mid-heel“. I haven’t bought myself a new pair yet, but I’m currently coveting Loeffler Randall’s Riley flat zip boot. I love an exposed gold zipper up the back. It pops against black, the perfect classic touch. Another client of mine wanted more value than splurge, she’s excitingly sporting ZARA’s Boot With Zipped Cap-Toe.
Wherever your life takes you, these boots were made for walking…
My love for colo(u)red denim is no secret. I wear my crimson Rag & Bone skinnies weekly and relish in complements. They go with so many different outfits, I consider them my fashion lay-up. And while many people might look at this photo and first notice Rachel’s Burberry studded metallic leather bowling bag (sold out) – I go ga-ga over her burgundy (merlot, magenta, purple, or “wine”) colored cords. Tucked into her Zara ankle booties, Rachel’s look is perfect for fall.
For those looking to start slowly, or keep it office appropriate, stick to basic blank skinny cords – I live in my J Brands! They’re so comfortable and soft they feeling like a cotton legging. So great for travel. They are a 10 with flats, boots or heels. A great one-pair-of-pants packing option. DONE!
Right about the time everyone starts wearing something, is when I stop loving it. So while I’m still a big supporter of an oversized men’s-style watch on a women’s wrist – I’m branching out from the popular Michael Kors go-tos (I’m down to three after selling my fourth on eBay). For the most bang for your buck, I suggest a staple silver, yellow or rose gold – and right now I’m several from Nixon’s women’s (and men’s) collection(s). The Crystal Bezel increases your statement, as does a touch of blue marble. I love all-white (available in ceramic for the big spenders; shockingly still less than CHANEL), and white and silver. All-black is stunningly chic (also available in ceramic; and by CHANEL with or without diamonds). Opposites attract with yellow gold and gun-metal. Rose gold and acetate also make a great pair. A statement watch is the first step to a perfect outfit everyday.
Fall has always been my favorite fashion season. And now that I’m back living on the East Coast, I’m excited to reunite with the seasons (OK, maybe not winter…). After two-plus-years in LA, I’ve quickly become fair-weathered and I’m cold whenever I’m not in direct sunlight and extreme heat. There will be many scarves, hats, and jackets in my future. Let the layering begin as we fall into fall.
10 – a weekend getaway vest - I’m on the hunt for the perfect black vest (ideally hooded, and maybe leather). Until I find it, I’m coveting this shiny patent-esque crimson style by J.CREW. Great over black, white, or gray. Works well to-and-from the gym; brunch; in the city or country.
9 – black waxed skinny jeans – I don’t hide my love for black skinnis, I own many pairs. Two of which are wax coated (J Brand) – the perfection way to achieve the style of black leather pants without the discomfort, or price! They wear well with flats during the day, and dress up perfectly at night with heels. Just throw on a simple top, sweater, blazer or blouse and you’re instantly chic.
8 – mesh top – I bought this Theory silver mesh sweater in LA and I constantly get complements. Depending on your height (I have a long torso) – it may be cropped – like it is on me… I wear two Theory white cotton tanks layered underneath (I wear two because I hate seeing the button from your jeans through the cotton – the added thickness also provides flattering snugging benefits). I love it against my crimson Rag & Bones. Bright denim is still big this fall, but you can also opt for black or darker hues like J Brand’s cherry skinny cords. Smaller holes work well too.
7 – suede wedge boots / booties - fashion meets function with a wedge heel. Petite women can get the extra height they covet, without the back and foot pain. And the rest of us can enjoy some subtle lift with an all-day-heel. I love myself some black, brown, and grey suede boots and booties.
6 – polka dot - anything! Polka dot is to fall 2011, what stripes were to spring and summer. The same could be said for stars… but I prefer a more classic print. So mix some dots into your tops, scarves, skirts, hosiery, and more. Big or small circles are everywhere. Smaller is typically more flattering, just be careful the print is clear and you aren’t channeling the chicken pox.
5 – bright outerwear - Just add water. Seriously, it’s that easy! With a bright coat, you’ve got instant color-blocking – and instant chic. Guaranteed to brighten up even the dreariest of fall / winter days… The gold metal hardware and double breasted style can’t get any better. I love “Heather Camel”, “Heather Majestic Purple”, and “Vibrant Flame” all equally. J’adore.
4 – chunky knits – Looking out the window is enough to make me cold these days. I crave all-things warm and cozy – aka, chunky knits! The chunkier, the better. Stella McCartney can do no wrong in my opinion, and while her pieces are clearly an $investment$, I can picture this scarf and I being very happy together for eternity. Or at least until spring.
3 – tweed and tartan – textures are big this season. Think tweed, tartan, hounds-tooth, pine-stripe – very British – very prep-school. The looser oversized boyfriend fits of recent years are gone, and we’re back to fitted shrunken blazers and coats (because a waist is a terrible thing to waste). Classic blackwatch (green and navy plaid) is a safe bet. The more daring may try technicolor or mustard (because I’ve never met a condiment I didn’t like).
2 – dark cords – skinny or wide-leg - the ’70s drives the wide-legged pants we’re seeing everywhere. The great news is you can dress for your body type. Skinnies, and wide-legged pants are in – pick your pleasure! Just remember, all pants are more flattering when worn with heels.
1 –bright statement pumps - a shocking suede pump lights up your outfit (and hopefully your life). Kelly Ripa shows us how to wear blue suede shoes with all-black. You can also color block your way into an opposing hued pant, top, coat, dress, skirt… most successful blocks involve two or three (MAX) colors. As the temperature drops; select darker, richer, and jewel-tones colors.
Katie Holmes pays tribute to five-year-old Suri with her Jennifer Meyer “S” nameplate necklace. Famous for her wish bone worn by Jennifer Aniston in “He’s Just Not That Into You” a few years back, Jennifer’s jewelry is a favorite with countless A-listers (her pieces are regularly worn by Courtney Cox on “Cougar Town”; by Kate Hudson, Cameron Diaz and more). They’re all 10s!
While I’m all for a $1,500 “push present” – (or more, Rachel Zoe’s husband Rodger gave her a $25k Neil Lane ring for birthday Skylar – 10 carats later, that is CLEARLY the exception and we can’t all be so lucky… Thankfully, there are more value-conscious ways of showing your maternal loyalty. Opt for yellow gold, white, copper, or silver, diamonds, or cubics. Bigger and bolder styles work too. These signature necklaces look great solo, or layered with other pieces. I’m all for mixing metals for casual occasions; wearing silver and yellow gold, rose and yellow, etc – it all works. But often, less is more. You’ll notice Katie’s always photographed with just the one signature piece.
Blush Blazers are a go-to for spring and summer that can be worn right into fall… their neutral palette goes with everything!! Without competing to be the focus of your outfit, this blazer keeps you cool from day to night – battling over-air-conditioning and breezy nights. Worn over a tank or blouse with white skinny jeans and nude patent round-toe pumps, you’ve got your summer uniform. Softer and more feminine than beige (although I love Gwyneth’s look too), you can opt for an oversized boyfriend or more fitted style. Even men (ahem Justin Bieber…) are BLUSHING.
Whether you go bold à la “intense red” or “tulip” yellow, or keep it “sabbia” subtle – this is the driving moc that doesn’t stop. An animal print makes a statement, while suede keeps it simple.
Wear these fashion-meeting-function flats with white jeans, capris, linen pants, or a summer suit.
For the daring – and true retro irony… add pennies!!