If you haven’t heard of CJ by Cookie Johnson, these pants will change the lines of your legs. The wife of Magic Johnson, designer “Cookie” has quickly become a fashion force in denim – offering the best fitting, premium denim fit for women with real bodies. The styles don’t stop at just denim – there are cords, twill, and cotton pants that flatter women with shape. Whether you’re pear shaped, bottom heavy – whatever curves you have, CJ’s will hug, snug and FLATTER. And unlike some other mature and flattering denim lines, CJ’s have successfully incorporated current denim trends into their collection. From colored denim, to animal print, waxed-coated, boyfriend, skinny cargo, twill and more.. including classic styles like white, boot-cut, straight-leg, and black. Oprah’s a fan and swears they’re as comfortable as yoga pants or sweats (I wear them every time I fly). The not-so-secret weapons are stretch and a silk waistband. The vanity sizing (24=4 25=4-6, 26=6, 27=6-8, 28=8-10, 29=8-10, 30=10, 31=10-12, 32=12), plus size availability (34=14, 36=16, 38=18) and real models are added bonuses. Thanks to Cookie for bringing some magic to denim… Enjoy!!
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.
Summer’s come to an end, and we’re knee-deep in fall fashion. But right now all I can think about is the perfect purse for an upcoming destination wedding in Anguilla this November. And I’ve found it – the St Louis Tote by Goyard. I’m not alone. This go-to can be see all around the globe on celebrities and fashionable girls. Many have several styles and several colors (the Kardashian clan is in double digits by my count). Gwyneth monogrammed hers “G.K.P.M”, which I assume stands for ‘Gwyneth Kate Paltrow Martin’. Diane Kruger stops traffic with yellow and red stripes, and Nicky Hilton has a trifecta of red, yellow and green with her initials. Monogrammed or not, the St Louis is a chic beach bag, carry-on, diaper bag, gym bag, and commuter go-to. I’m currently dreaming about the white one Cameron Diaz wore in “What Happens in Vegas” – among others.
And because my fashion operations always come with a twist, Goyards are hard to come by. Sold by select Barneys (in stores only) and a few Bergdorfs (same); your best bet is to visit (or call) the only US Goyard boutique, located in San Fransisco. eBay is another option, but be wary of fakes. The only remaining question is, do I want white à la Nicole; light blue à la Gwyenth; bright blue à la Kendall; orange à la Kris; yellow Kim and Kourtney; or black à la Hilary? Decisions!!
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.
I’m all for fashion meeting function. So when my best friend gave me the Hudson’s Bay Tote Bag as part of my incredibly thoughtful “welcome back to Toronto” birthday gift, I was sold (NB: August has more birthdays than any other month, Happy Birthday to you if you’re also one of them). I had just seen a très chic women in her forties shopping carrying the bag in Toronto’s upscale Summerhill neighborhood and immediately complemented her on the bag when I saw it in her living room. “It’s for you!” was her response. Too perfect! Thank you, thank you.
Reusable totes help the environment and your wallet as many provinces and states like Ontario now charge for paper and plastic bags. With my new go-to retailing for only $10, you can’t afford not to. So when grabbing your groceries, or anything bag-worthy, why not make a statement. And for any other patriotic Canucks – there are countless ways to enjoy and wear your STRIPES!
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!!
Kate’s first outfit, an off-white REISS dress (the same one she wore in the couple’s official engagement photos), a patriotic maple leaf brooch borrowed from Queen Elizabeth (presented to her by the Queen mom when she first visited Canada in 1939), and a crimson red maple leaf fascinator by Sylvia Fletcher at Lock and Co. Normally we’d consider her bright red pumps matchy-matchy, but worn in the Nation’s capital on Canada Day – they’re the perfect finishing touch.
Moving from Ottawa to Yellowknife, Canada, Will and Kate joined the locals in a street hockey game. Her linen dress is by Danish-born British high street designer Malene Birger. Catherine opted to stay on the sidelines and cheer for the Duke, reportedly explaining that if not for her nude L.K. Bennett heels, she would have joined in the game herself. She had me at nude heels…
Lastly, her Highness wore a navy lace dress called “the Cecile dress” designed by Erdem. The dress can be found in their pre-spring 2012 collection. Kate paired her stunning navy lace dress with her L.K.Bennett Sledge2 patent nude pumps. Her style is so classic, and so-spot-on PRINCESS PERFECT!
