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!!
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!
SJP and Kate are nautical visions of summer in Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen’s ribbed sailor dress. Sarah Jessica wore the navy style in Hollywood, accented with a red croc clutch and hot-red bowed peep toes. Kate wore the classic white version with black heels in Prince Edward Island… her new husband playfully thanked P.E.I for naming the island after him. Awe… And speaking of the Prince. What’s not to love about Kate in a white Sarah Burton dress? Memories…
This gorgeous dress isn’t available, but you can still skirt your sweater this month and into the fall in beige, navy, off-white, or black. Thicker knits flatter… And as always, SPANX are your friends.
… 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.”
10 – Ella Moss Kaleidoscope Top: the subtle black lace up the sides of this basic charcoal sweatshirt make it anything but basic… 10! Wear it with leggings or skinny jeans. Nothing but net.
8 -Ella Moss Windsor Cashmere Tunic: I love a good tunic, and cashmere is ALWAYS in season. This black and charcoal staple will keep you warm on cooler days and spring-summer nights.
7 – Ella Moss Khloe Stripe Cardi:This is an every day basic you’ll likely live in (I know I’d like to). The pattern updates your errand-gym-all-encompassing-life uniform, matching everything.
6 – Ella Moss – Black Infinity Legging:Snugging (thick flattering fabric) leggings are a must-have for every woman’s closet. These crops are perfect for working out… before, during and after. Or for days when you really meant to… Not to mention a long plane right (tuck them into over-the-knee high boots or even UGGs). I’m not afraid to admit to living in cropped leggings whenever I’m not in my black skinny jeans. So great for spring and summer!
4 – Ella Moss Caycee Short:The short of spring-summer 2011 are precisely this relaxed yet SHORT style! Worn with flats, heels, or flips – they’re an instant update.
3 – Ella Moss ‘Greenwich’ Sweater:Again I love a cropped sweater. Is there anything more classic than light-wash denim, a white cotton tank, and heather gray sweater? I love this combo. Love. It.
Photos: Jennifer Garner, Sarah Jessica Parker, Charlize Theron:Splash News
There are three blazers every woman needs in her closet, the school boy (Jennifer’s wearing the perfect example of navy with gold buttons above), a stark or off-white (SJP rocks a boyfriend style off-white above), and a black boyfriend (Ã la Charlize). This wardrobe staples will take you from day to night, wherever you’re going – whoever you’re seeing – whatever you’re doing. Jackets (blazers) create structure and with the right fit and tailoring, they flatter EVERY figure.
My suggestion for a school boy is charcoal gray or navy with gold buttons. My favorite is J.Crew’s shown below, I own this and wear it OFTEN. Never without a complement! It should be fitted, and have a bit of a crop to it (stopping above the waist). The style works worn open or closed.
For a stark or off-white (worn all-year) choose either a longer boyfriend-style like SJP, or something fitted and cropped. A tuxedo blazer is also great in white. While I love SJP’s look above, my stark white blazer is fitted and cropped-esque. I love it over black skinnies and a long tank.
Black boyfriend blazers came onto the scene with a vengeance. Worn correctly they can be a classic staple – not a passing trend. Charlize opts for white silk cuffs shown off (I’m currently coveting Theory’s heather-gray bf blazer with white and black polka dot cuffs… but I digress). We often see pinstriped cuffs (white with black stripes), while they might be a bit overdone, it can work wonders to adding personal flare to basic black. Black-on-black (below) is safely timeless. Never one to discriminate, you can also give a “girlfriend” blazer a go – with a more feminine fit it’s great in black or navy. Whoever your partner, just give your sleeves two-three rolls and go!
J.Crew’s School Boy Blazer       Theory White Blazer   Priorities Boyfriend
How to:
- Never wear a double-breasted blazer open, the extra material will flat and add volume to your tummy and waist. I’ve yet to meet a woman who needs or wants that…
- Always dress in thirds, you want your blazer to hit at top third of your body, or after the top two-thirds, for the most flattering fit – halving yourself truncates your height and gives the optical illusion that objects appear wider than they are… (and when it comes close to ending in the middle of your body, keep it open like Jen and Charlize). Thank you Tim Gunn!
- Tailor, tailor, TAILOR. I’ve yet to buy and/or wear a blazer that I haven’t had tailored in some way, shape or form. Whether it cost $30, or $3,000 – it will be worth EVERY penny to accentuate your best figure features. This is especially important with boxy fits like a boyfriend-style.
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