This is my first winter on the East Coast in three years, I’m thankful that it’s been mild enough that I’ve been able to get away with my J.Crew Sperry Shearwater boots,original navy Hunters (with cream fleece socks), my Stuart Weitman leopard rain boots and my black Gucci (with leopard fleece socks) rain boots. But a big snow storm will hit… so topping my “to-buy” list is a pair of winter boots. Above are my finalists, I’ll likely end up getting a furry-shearling pair, and a classic black go-to. I’d also love a white pair like the Pajar‘s or Sorels to throw into the rotation. Wish-list!☺
Sorel “Tofino”(Canada) – these are all over the magazines and style segments as the “it” boots of the season. Red is fresh and unexpected, but this style is also great in brown, grey, and black. They fit small, in the US they come in half sizes – in Canada go down half a size to the next whole size.
Sperry “Plover” – these work in rain or snow, keeping you warm and dry. I love the tie and fur!
Hunter “Adley” – these come in black, dark olive and brown. I can’t get enough shearling. Hunters only come in half sizes and they fit big, if you’re a half size go down to the next whole size.
GEOX’s “Dina Stilvali” – these quilted patent boots are warm and cozy with a subtle shiny splash. They only come in whole sizes, they fit small, go down half a size to the next whole size.
Hunter “Regent Savoy” - my favorite boot this year, but I’ll warn you – the shaft is snug (15.5 inch circumference). Snugger than the Hunter original; 16 inch – (if you have a wider calf try the Hunter Huntress for an extra 0.5″, it’s 16.5 inches). The Regent also comes in Montpelier leopard.
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.
What do men need? Clothes. Stylish clothes. Few of them like to buy them for themselves, so occasions warranting gifts (like Father’s Day) are the perfect opportunity to lend a loving hand. My suggestions for Dad this year start with the lightweight shirt above, and continue with…
… 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.”
I love a good lay…er. I layer everything, things you wouldn’t think of – from my rings to my scarves – Blake shows us the striking effect of a solid black pashmina over a gray plaid complement. Done!
When wearing more than one scarf, keep one a solid color (less daring dames can start with a neutral white, cream, camel, gray, or basic black – more daring diva’s might opt for one of spring 2011′s brights to really offset and pop); the second scarf should be a print or pattern of some sort. From animal patterns, tartan, polka dot, paisley, floral, checkered or even a subtle or BOLD tie-dye (hello Vanessa Hudgens…). If you prefer to start slow, go for a single two toned scarf… this is great for petite women where too much material can swallow their frames.
While dark colors and heavier prints channel fall and winter, you can lighten the look into spring with florals, pastels and softer prints. Matchy-matchy should be avoided… Mix. Mix. MIX.
Whether you don something safe (a tuke, black fedora, even a baseball cap as I’ve been known to wear on long flights) or avant-garde like these gals, hats off to you for trying and wearing it well!
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I spent last week in one of my favorite cities, the retail capital of the world: New York City. Anyone who’s ever been to New York will agree that the city offers an energy, personality and life that’s unparalleled… anywhere. Even in the cold of early January (temperatures hovered between 5-25 degrees Fahrenheit, the city’s longest cold front since 1977) New Yorkers were out until the early hours of the morning. The city really never sleeps. And with so much to do, neither do it’s visitors.
“It’s 24/7 here. It’s nonstop. The whole buzz of the city turns me on.”
- ‘Gossip Girl’’s Ed Westwick – aka Chuck Bass
The photo above was taken at Rockefeller Square, a hot-spot for tourists and anyone looking for one of the city’s J.Crew stores (N.B. my shopping bag) – shocking since I’m really private about my love towards my favorite retailer that started in the city with it’s 1989 South Street Seaport store.
Cold temperatures can be fun and creative to dress for; layering different pieces together, mixing prints and fabrics, the options are limitless. Case in point: to keep my ears warm I rotated between my Burberry signature plaid earmuffs, and my Michael Kors brown faux fox fur (exact style no longer available) worn alone as photographed or on top of my m0851 tweed newsboy hat. Above I’m wearing a Theory checkered scarf that’s so big it can double as a blanket on long flights, a m0851 wool coat, J.Crew riding boots, and black J Brand skinnies. I often layer my checkered scarf over my Michael Kors “shokpink” neck warmer, or another solid scarf. So the next time you step out into the East Coast cold, think of fashion meeting function and try some earmuffs on for size.
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