fall flat black boot



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…

colored cords

Rachel Bilson wears burgundy skinny cords with a studded Burberry purse and over-sized scarf.

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Photos (Rachel Bilson): celebrityfashion.onsugar.com & beautify-flr.blogspot.com

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!

orange and purple

My love of all-things orange is no secret. Here’s another way to wear it – color blocking and all!

I have five weddings in the next five months (not one is in the US…). They kick off this weekend in my homeland’s capital city, Ottawa (6.11!!). Above is my outfit for wedding 1.0. Inspired by Gucci’s spring/summer 2011 collection of bright color blocking green, orange, and purple – and celebrities like Kim K and Jessica Alba owning this trend – I bought the above pairing at Zara. The high-waisted “skirt with slit” is such a deep tangerine, it almost looks red. It’s fuchsia partner isn’t shown online, but the skirt would also look great with this deep jewel-tone-purple blouse tucked into it – aka, “blouse with tabs”. My clutch is my black Marc Jacobs quilted go-to, purchased in Vegas three years ago. The “quilting – Eugenie leather clutch” is still going strong as part of his signature collection. The finishing touch, my shoes, are my new Stuart Weiztman black patent round-toe pumps, purchased at Browns on a recent stint in Toronto. Stuart Weiztman is my #1 high-heel. He makes classic and stylish 2-5-3.25 inch pumps (NB: avoid anything less than 2 inches, just go for a flat – “kitten heels” don’t flatter anyone) that are wearable for hours without wanting to cry, they are to my feel what Jbrands are to my thighs. LOVE. Stay tuned for outfits 2, 3, 4 and 5.

 

well done ZARA

If you haven’t been to ZARA lately, it’s time!! Above are 10 items I photographed during a recent trip (I’m lucky enough to live about 500 feet from one of the best ZARA’s in LA). Sadly ZARA’s inventory still isn’t available online (H&M-styles), but hopefully they’ll take Club Monaco’s lead and get with the program… STAT. Because everything you see above retails for LESS THAN $200!!

From their leopard beret; stud detailed Doctors bag; white and black quilted small bag; military chic messenger; white silk equipment blouse; zipper-backed heels; faux fur vest; white overcoat; leopard wedges; and white BIG faux fur – their crop has never been better. So the next time you find yourself looking for a quick closet update and don’t want to break the bank.  THINK ZARA.

SPOTTED: Rachel Bilson in Ann Taylor and ZARA

Rachel Bilson’s wearing Ann Taylor’s Oversized Dot Cashmere Scarf –

Dakota Fanning’s also been seen in this go-to print.

Rachel’s ZARA Suede Wedge Ankle Laced Boots in Taupe are not available online.

Belt-It

Photos: Olivia Palermo (x2): Splash News

Walking the streets of New York, “The City”‘s Olivia Palermo keeps things current and consistent by belting her military jackets – (the hunter-green jacket on the right is Zara, not available online — the olive-green jacket on the left is Barbour). Her black wayfarers also prove to be a wardrobe staple. Her brown-leather-gold-clasped belt is vintage, it’s not to be outdone by her Hermès Birkin.

$$$ lux                                                  $$ chic                                  $ everyday

If it ain’t broke… BELT-IT.

McGlowing

Left to Right: Rebecca Gayheart, Kourtney Kardashian, Camilla Alves. Photos: Splash News

These glowing bumps have all recently given birth to their little minis. Rebecca Gayheart and Grey’s Anatomy’s McSteamy, Eric Dane, welcomed their daughter Billie Beatrice in early March.

Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick welcomed baby boy, Mason Dask Disick to the Kardashian clan in early December. Camilla Alves and Matthew McConoughey welcomed their second child and first daughter, Vida Alves in early January – giving older brother (by 18-months) Levi a sister.

Your maternity wardrobe doesn’t have to break the bank. Kourtney’s body-hugging white dress is from one of our fav value-retailers, H&M (paired with classic YSL pumps – a WATW high-low marriage!). When looking for bump-friendly clothing, try H&M, Zara, Old Navy, The GAP, and Target. Topshop‘s “Style Your Bump” is NOT to be missed. You might even opt for pieces outside the maternity focus, and instead go up a few sizes. This approach may not always work right off the rack, but it’s nothing that a solid “operation baby bump” with your tailor can’t fit to perfection.

Dresses with room in the belly, while flattering other areas can really be a hit. Jersey is a flattering material with lots of give. A maxi dress might offer the look and comfort you want. Just be weary of bright colors and printsblack is always the safest bet. White offers a crisp clean and fresh look. A tent dress is a great style for a growing belly if you want to show of your legs… So is a classic shift or sheath. The most daring of daring can try pregnancy stripes – a popular bump look right now!

Feminine details like ruffles, lace, sequins and subtle bows are not to be avoided because you’re expecting. Shirt dresses can take a day in the office to night. As can a go-to black wrap. Mother of four Heidi Klum recently launched a maternity line with A Pea In The Pod, Lavish. It’s worth a look.

Whether you choose to cover you arms like Kourtney, go strapless like Rebecca, or highlight one shoulder like Camilla – you can show as much, or as little skin as you want. Just rock that glow…

And after giving birth, you might covet Kourtney’s style yet again. She swears by the belly bandit – a post pregnancy tummy-wrap that’s similar in idea to the BellaBand many pregnant women love to wear pre and post-baby. Because we could all use some help fitting into our jeans thank you!!