wonderFALL must-haves
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.
April’s no-fooling must-haves
“April showers, bring May flowers.”
… with that let’s greet April’s rain in style and hope for a gorgeous spring and summer.
10 – A big umbrella - Bella Pagoda Umbrella – B&W Pinwheel: A big pinwheel umbrella is a style statement that keeps you dry. Imagine? Ha. So many times we sacrifice function for fashion, but when it comes to rain that’s just not practical for daily life.
9 – Slim calf rain boots – HUNTER Regen Quilted Rubber Rainboots: Hunters new rain boots are slimmer in the calf, keeping your legs drier and offering a more flattering fit. This black quilted pair scream classy riding boot!
8 – A hooded anorak - Jil Sander Navy Hooded Coat: throw on a water-resistant hooded jacket on gloomy days and you’re ready to roll. This coat takes you to the gym, errands, brunch, and more.
7 – A totally water-proof rain coat - Topshop Blue Shiny Hooded Plastic Mac (also in bright yellow and orange): when it rains, it pours! So be sure to have one coat that will keep you totally dry even when it’s coming down in bucket loads. Go for navy, or a bright red, orange, yellow or blue. Just because the skies are dull, doesn’t mean your outfit has to follow suit.
6 – Cute rain hat - Burberry Cotton Reversible Black Bucket Hat: I have this hat. Rain isn’t so bad when it provides an excuse to wear fun pieces like this. I’ve never worn it with the signature print showing, I prefer the black showing and the tartan for myself. It’s key to keeping your hair dry.
5 – Classic Trench - J.Crew Icon Trench: every woman needs an iconic trench in her wardrobe. The name of J.Crew’s “icon trench” says it all. Whether you investment in Burberry or opt for French Connection – start with a classic beige with basic buttons and a belt (NB: double breasted never goes out of style, but spring 2011′s leather and studded details are a trendy take on a classic look and won’t make it to next season). Longer styles will keep you drier, and are more figure-flattering.
4 – Printed rain boots – Chooka Panthera Leopard Rain Boot: I’ll admit to owning three pairs of rain boots, excessive I know. But I do think there’s room for two pairs in every woman’s wardrobe. One tall black classic (back red zipper and buckles optional). And one printed. My choice of print are Stuart Wietzman’s subtle leopard (not available, similar to these Chooka’s), but I have friends who love a bright polkadot, plaid, striped or just plane BRIGHT. A shorter pair can also be a great addition (great for petite woman). Of course homage must be paid to Burberry’s signature print boots (as classic as their trenches), just please don’t pair these with any of the following: a Burberry signature print umbrella, scarf, or rain hat… anything signature print – you get the idea!
3 – A neutral nail - Essie Chinchilly: Let the rest of your outfit do the talking this month, give your nails a neutral break from the darker grays of winter. Bonus: your mani will stay chip-free longer.
2 – A bright scarf – J.Crew wool gauze scarf: I love banner blue – aka “hot-blue” – as I commonly call it. On cooler April days pop this scarf around your neck and your face will glow. It’s a great color to wrap around the shoulder strap of a purse so it’s always close by.
1 – An eco-friendly tote - Green is Good Tote: Earth Day is April 22nd, go green with a gift that keeps on giving. To the environment – and my future grandchildren – thank you.
“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”
- Dolly Parton
Fashion Week must-haves
“When it’s three o’clock in New York, it’s still 1938 in London.” – Bette Midler
It’s Fashion Week Eve for the city that never sleeps… and whether you’ll be visiting the retail capital of North America, attending any shows, or just living vicariously through the media’s coverage – I’m dedicating this week’s must-haves to what every traveling lady needs in her life.
10 – an on trend blazer to throw over skinny jeans, a skirt or dress – I love ELIZABETH and JAMES Preppy Blazer in Black/Ivory. I can’t get enough of stripes lately, and it’s a great update on a black boyfriend blazer that can take you from day to night (over skinnies, trousers, a dress, skirt…). The pattern mixes prints for you instantly, whatever you pair it with. And the black piping is so regal!
9 – a bag big enough to go from day to night, without sacrificing style - Alexander Wang Rocco Duffel’s is my go-to bag right now, I get at least one complement on it a week. Big enough to fit your wallet, PDA, keys, makeup, water bottle, camera – yet small enough that it’s not a suitcase.
8 – the perfect polish - Chanel had me at hello… their nail polish hues can do no wrong in my eyes (she says as her collection grows monthly). Three of their most popular of-the-moment shades: Particulière, Paradoxal and Black Satin now come in a tri-pack. Pick one and rock it all week long.
7 – a statement watch, to get you to the church (show) on time… whether it’s gold, silver, rose, mixed metal, translucent, ceramic, plastic, rubber, tortoise – a big men’s size watch on a woman’s wrist is practical and just plain hot. So you can keep your iPhone and BBs off when it’s showtime.
6 – chic travel garment bag - LeSportSac’s bags travels so well, I love their weekenders as carry-ons (small to large) and checked (extra large) bags. My latest purchase is their patent garment bag, it has a strap so it can fly solo as carry-on or checked – yet it’s small enough to also fit in a suitcase.
“They say life’s what happens when you’re busy making other plans. But sometimes in New York, life is what happens when you’re waiting for a table.”
- Carrie Bradshaw, ‘Sex and The City’
5 – back to basics – go for a white blouse, add ruffles or a classic tie to your silks shirt – tuck it into a high-waisted skirt (I’ll be wearing #1 tucked into an Alice + Olivia white blouse that’s not online yet to their February 14th show at the Park Plaza), skinny or trouser pants and glam it up.
4 – Tory Burch patent Eddie black ballerina – the perfect plane shoe! And yes, that’s “plane” not “plain”. There’s nothing plain about a shimmering black flat that takes you through the terminals of JFK, LaGuardia or Newark before changing into winter-faring boots. Fashion meets function.
3 – the perfect coat, that actually keeps you warm - if you haven’t been following the weather in NYC this year, it’s been one storm after another (along with Chicago, Toronto, and even Dallas!)… the East Coast has been getting a lot of snow and/or cold fronts. So while I’m all for trying to get away with my fall and spring coats in East Coast winter months when you’re going for a certain look, 2011 is a year for WARM LAYERS. I’ll be wearing my Mackage – AKA warmest coat ever.
2 – KILLER heels – helloooo Prada, nice to see you again. The perfect balance between first-date heels (3 inches +), and second chances (everything else)- I lived in Prada heels for three years in my previous corporate gig (suited up everyday) and they are as comfortable as they are sexy. 10!!
1 – one gorgeous detail / INDULGENCE - for me this year it’s Alice + Olivia’s leather tulip skirt in tan. And yes, it’s just as DIVINE in person as you can imagine. I tried it on at their Robertson boutique and knew it had to be mine within seconds (OK, when I saw it on the mannequin in the window just a few days before I knew…). The leather is soft and luscious, and there’s a gold zipper up the back that adds the perfect finishing touch. I will have, and wear, this FOREVER. Thank you!!
“One belongs to New York instantly, one belongs to it as much in five minutes as in five years.”
- Thomas Wolfe
I ♥ NYC.
SJP school run
Sarah Jessica Parker walks James Wilkie Broderick to and from school in New York’s East Village.
Photos (scrolling): Sarah Jessica Parker and son James Wilkie Broderick: Splash News
SJP is a style phenomenon. As much as I love her style on the big (and small) screen and red carpet – this icon knows how to effortlessly rock her signature style in her daily life too. Every day is a 10!!
Parker keeps things consistent, often opting for UGGs (her go-tos are gray and sand). SJP also loves her Gerard Darel tukes (shown above in gray), Ray-ban oversized plastic shield sunglasses, and black down puffy vest. In the second pic, she’s wearing a Halston Heritage sequin tote (in gold, the same bag is shown in black in pic #3). I love her undone bed head hair, grey cuffed skinny cords and brown suede slouch cow-girl boots. Next, Sarah Jessica gets comfy in a Phillip Lim 3.1 gray cable knit sweater coat, purple cords, and metallic ballerina flats. And last, but not least… she pairs her down vest with cut-off denim pedal pushers, gray suede flats, a gray top and gold tote. This last look appears the most effortless, and for that reason it’s tied for my favorite with #2.
Sarah knows her personal style, she owns it and she rocks it. Every time.
SPOTTED: Angelina Joie in Gerard Darel & Dolce Gabbana
Angelina Jolie’s wearing a Gerard Darel coat and D&G Dolce & Gabbana Women’s DD8069 Sunglasses in Budapest, love!!
Contact Bloomingdales at 212.705.2691 or Gerard Durel directly for details on how to buy Angelina’s coat.
ELLE’d to perfection
Elle Macpherson shows us how the school run is done: London-style… with perfect 10′s everyday.
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Photo: Elle Macpherson: Splash News
Elle Macpherson takes her kids to school: London-style. Paparazzi have profiled her impeccable daily school-run style for years, it’s worth noting. Elle isn’t saving her best clothes (leather, furs) like they’re fine china. She’s wearing her party pants!! Everyday. And wow – it’s nothing but 10′s.
Elle’s black skinny stretch leather jeggings are the perfect accent to her comfy belted charcoal gray sweater-shawl and ballerinas. Whereas the rest of us would have quickly opted for a pair of black cotton leggings – Elle reminds us to mix things up, and wear what may (or may not yet…) be in our closets. Even if it’s something you might consider a night piece. And better yet, this look really helps justify purchasing investment leather pants, by upping the potential-wear factor infinitely.
Thank you ELLE; our-Belle.
