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Gatsby is still, pretty Great! The Great Gatsby has always been one of my favorite books that I read in high school English class (it’s also one of the only few that I finished, oops!) With the release of the new film, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mullligan, I am once again, very enthused over the roaring 1920’s! The quintessential 1920’s era women could be seen dressed in beading and lace, and soft colors, with short hairstyles, and dark eyes and painted lips. This got me thinking, there must be a way to translate this into modern style without looking like you’re heading to a costume party as a flapper.  Parker makes some great dress options that channel the time of Great Gatsby in a current way. The pale pink option shown above with the feather details would be great to a dinner date or a night out with the girls. Check out more options from Parker here. If this seems too dressy for your typical day, try a look like the one shown in the light gray. Look for dresses that fit close to the body, but aren’t necessarily tight, with a swishy hemline that flare out at the thigh or knee. This dress is shown with the L’Agence Beaded Body Chain which mimics beading on many 20’s garments without being so literal.  Headpieces were a staple of 1920’s fashion. These may also seem difficult to pull off on any given day, but you can incorporate a jeweled headpiece with a very subdued color palette in the rest of your outfit, as a wedding guest. Headpieces are one of the more overdone fashion statements that will bombard you at almost any music festival, but what the hell, if you’re heading to a fest this summer, why not continue the trend and rock a 20’s style headband? Instead of a headband that goes across the forehead and gives a 70’s vibe, why not try a more romantic version of a headpiece that is incorporated into the hair in a softer way to distinguish your look from the masses.  Are you excited about the the new release of Gatsby?!

Gatsby is still, pretty Great!

The Great Gatsby has always been one of my favorite books that I read in high school English class (it’s also one of the only few that I finished, oops!) With the release of the new film, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mullligan, I am once again, very enthused over the roaring 1920’s!

The quintessential 1920’s era women could be seen dressed in beading and lace, and soft colors, with short hairstyles, and dark eyes and painted lips. This got me thinking, there must be a way to translate this into modern style without looking like you’re heading to a costume party as a flapper. 

Parker makes some great dress options that channel the time of Great Gatsby in a current way. The pale pink option shown above with the feather details would be great to a dinner date or a night out with the girls. Check out more options from Parker here.

If this seems too dressy for your typical day, try a look like the one shown in the light gray. Look for dresses that fit close to the body, but aren’t necessarily tight, with a swishy hemline that flare out at the thigh or knee. This dress is shown with the L’Agence Beaded Body Chain which mimics beading on many 20’s garments without being so literal. 

Headpieces were a staple of 1920’s fashion. These may also seem difficult to pull off on any given day, but you can incorporate a jeweled headpiece with a very subdued color palette in the rest of your outfit, as a wedding guest. Headpieces are one of the more overdone fashion statements that will bombard you at almost any music festival, but what the hell, if you’re heading to a fest this summer, why not continue the trend and rock a 20’s style headband? Instead of a headband that goes across the forehead and gives a 70’s vibe, why not try a more romantic version of a headpiece that is incorporated into the hair in a softer way to distinguish your look from the masses. 

Are you excited about the the new release of Gatsby?!

Bundle Up Baby! I’ve been a fan of fur and faux fur since childhood. My mother had a full-length, navy fur coat that she would let me play dress up in with her heels that always made me feel regal. I also had an awesome tweed Banana Republic trench coast with a fur collar in college that I still mourn over losing. Damnit! With plummeting temperatures and snow in Chicago, it’s the perfect time with try out  fur. I’m not here to advocate for faux versus actual fur, although I am against cruelty to animals, but that’s another discussion for another day. I’ve included both options here so that you can decide for yourself. A fur vest is an easy item to incorporate into your wardrobe and I’m in love with the version sported by Olivia Palermo (bottom center). The look of Olivia’s fur Bensoni vest with leather leggings, booties, with a graphic sweater is chic, yet cozy.   If you are a taller woman, like myself, you should opt for a longer cut vest that hits anywhere from the hips to mid-thigh like the Fur Mixed Media Vest by Ashley B (top center). This will help balance the proportions of your legs, particularly if you are wearing a heel. Shorter ladies can opt for a more cropped version of the look to avoid looking like your being attacked by a wooly mammoth! Fur jackets that have a rounded shoulder, are more boxy, and hit at the hip scream effortlessly cool and can instantly dress up any ensemble (top left). If your trepidatious about embracing this fuzzy trend, you can proceed slowly by adding a fur collar to a felt jacket you already own, like the one shown here from Etsy, or the Michael Kors coat shown at top right. Still seems to be a bit much for your taste? A simple set of black, furry earmuffs, like the ones shown here by Eugenia Kim, coupled with soft waves will make you you look like a snow bunny, but with minimal commitment in case you change your mind next month :) Just remember, when it comes to fur, especially faux fur, I feel that natural colors are best. Shoot for brown, tan, cream, black, and some spots or speckles are fine as long as you can picture some sort of animal in the color. If you want to try something a little funkier, try a dark color like the merlot jacket from Nordstrom (bottom left), but avoid overly busy patterns (unless it’s leopard) and color designs on the fur to avoid looking fake or cheap.

Bundle Up Baby!

I’ve been a fan of fur and faux fur since childhood. My mother had a full-length, navy fur coat that she would let me play dress up in with her heels that always made me feel regal. I also had an awesome tweed Banana Republic trench coast with a fur collar in college that I still mourn over losing. Damnit!

With plummeting temperatures and snow in Chicago, it’s the perfect time with try out  fur. I’m not here to advocate for faux versus actual fur, although I am against cruelty to animals, but that’s another discussion for another day. I’ve included both options here so that you can decide for yourself. A fur vest is an easy item to incorporate into your wardrobe and I’m in love with the version sported by Olivia Palermo (bottom center). The look of Olivia’s fur Bensoni vest with leather leggings, booties, with a graphic sweater is chic, yet cozy.  

If you are a taller woman, like myself, you should opt for a longer cut vest that hits anywhere from the hips to mid-thigh like the Fur Mixed Media Vest by Ashley B (top center). This will help balance the proportions of your legs, particularly if you are wearing a heel. Shorter ladies can opt for a more cropped version of the look to avoid looking like your being attacked by a wooly mammoth!

Fur jackets that have a rounded shoulder, are more boxy, and hit at the hip scream effortlessly cool and can instantly dress up any ensemble (top left). If your trepidatious about embracing this fuzzy trend, you can proceed slowly by adding a fur collar to a felt jacket you already own, like the one shown here from Etsy, or the Michael Kors coat shown at top right. Still seems to be a bit much for your taste? A simple set of black, furry earmuffs, like the ones shown here by Eugenia Kim, coupled with soft waves will make you you look like a snow bunny, but with minimal commitment in case you change your mind next month :)

Just remember, when it comes to fur, especially faux fur, I feel that natural colors are best. Shoot for brown, tan, cream, black, and some spots or speckles are fine as long as you can picture some sort of animal in the color. If you want to try something a little funkier, try a dark color like the merlot jacket from Nordstrom (bottom left), but avoid overly busy patterns (unless it’s leopard) and color designs on the fur to avoid looking fake or cheap.

Sorry for the lack of posts this week! Work has been crazy and I’ve spent way too much extra time finding the perfect gifts for my new in-laws :) Over the next week or so, my husband and I will be heading to my parents home in the Chicago suburbs and then to his parents house in down-state Illinois. I don’t know about you, but when I’m heading home I need to pack for a few different scenarios: 1. lounging, 2. shopping, and 3. going out to dinner/going out to some questionable dive bars with high school friends. So how can you get away with having enough options while still packing minimally? 1. Jewelry: I don’t often find it necessary to pack a lot of jewelry for home unless I know I have an event to attend. If not, I highly recommend bringing a few pieces that can stand on their own and aren’t fussy. The rose gold Nicholas ID bracelet meets these criteria. If this doens’t work for you, your standard gold menswear inspired watch and a pendant necklace like this one can be worn with almost any ensemble.  2. Bottoms: although leggings are a realistic go-to for many of us, they might not be as versatile appropriate as other alternatives. Instead, try a skinny jean with a lot of stretch in a dark color like these 7 for All Mankind coated jeans in Onyx Glacier. A leather or a faux leather skirt is great for patronizing the bars or enjoying a meal out. Pair it with opaque black tights or heathered gray tights for some color. 3. Tops: Sweaters are ideal for a trip home in winter months. The cropped, cable-knit, emerald green sweater by BB Dakota would work well with the skinny jeans or leather skirt. The same can be said for a soft chambray shirt, which can also work with your leggings if your just too damn lazy to put forth much effort. Check out the Bria Urban Sweater from Club Monaco with tan, suede shoulder patches for a classic option. 4. Hair: When I’m back at home I prefer to have my hair down with just a bobby pin to hold it off of my face, but if you want a low-maintenance look that still makes it seem like you brushed your hair that day, try the coiled bun. All you need is a hair tie, hairspray, and a few bobby pins to secure the coil. Feel free to pull out a few stands in the front and run a large-barreled curling iron through them for 30 seconds to create a slight wave.  5. Bags: If I know that I am going to spending most of my time in the house, but may go out for a night or two, I’ll usually pack large satchel bag and a simple clutch. This brown Marc by Marc Jacobs Globetrotter Calamity Rei bag is large enough to pack items, but can also be worn out. Not to mention the gorgeousness of the rich praline color! 6. Outerwear: This is entirely dependent on your geographic location. In Chicago, we usually have bone chilling winds and either snow, or this year, rain in December. This extreme weather calls for a heavy-duty coat, but if your residing in a region with a milder climate, a leather jacket (loving the olive colored one pictured here) would be perfect! 7. Footwear: It can be easy to think about all of the possible situations that you might encounter which could call for a riding boot, and a flat ankle boot, a pump, and open toe, and … the list could go on and on. However, the zipped ankle boot with a small heel might be the only shoe you need. This bootie from Topshop is the ultimate multi-tasker as it can be worn with your skinny jeans, leggings, and skirt and tights combo and still look chic. The low heel keeps this shoe comfortable enough to trek through the mall with grandma, but sharp enough to maintain your fashionista rep while strolling through your hometown ;) What are you bringing home for the holidays?!  photos: 1, 2

Sorry for the lack of posts this week! Work has been crazy and I’ve spent way too much extra time finding the perfect gifts for my new in-laws :) Over the next week or so, my husband and I will be heading to my parents home in the Chicago suburbs and then to his parents house in down-state Illinois. I don’t know about you, but when I’m heading home I need to pack for a few different scenarios: 1. lounging, 2. shopping, and 3. going out to dinner/going out to some questionable dive bars with high school friends. So how can you get away with having enough options while still packing minimally?
1. Jewelry: I don’t often find it necessary to pack a lot of jewelry for home unless I know I have an event to attend. If not, I highly recommend bringing a few pieces that can stand on their own and aren’t fussy. The rose gold Nicholas ID bracelet meets these criteria. If this doens’t work for you, your standard gold menswear inspired watch and a pendant necklace like this one can be worn with almost any ensemble. 
2. Bottoms: although leggings are a realistic go-to for many of us, they might not be as versatile appropriate as other alternatives. Instead, try a skinny jean with a lot of stretch in a dark color like these 7 for All Mankind coated jeans in Onyx Glacier. A leather or a faux leather skirt is great for patronizing the bars or enjoying a meal out. Pair it with opaque black tights or heathered gray tights for some color.
3. Tops: Sweaters are ideal for a trip home in winter months. The cropped, cable-knit, emerald green sweater by BB Dakota would work well with the skinny jeans or leather skirt. The same can be said for a soft chambray shirt, which can also work with your leggings if your just too damn lazy to put forth much effort. Check out the Bria Urban Sweater from Club Monaco with tan, suede shoulder patches for a classic option.
4. Hair: When I’m back at home I prefer to have my hair down with just a bobby pin to hold it off of my face, but if you want a low-maintenance look that still makes it seem like you brushed your hair that day, try the coiled bun. All you need is a hair tie, hairspray, and a few bobby pins to secure the coil. Feel free to pull out a few stands in the front and run a large-barreled curling iron through them for 30 seconds to create a slight wave. 
5. Bags: If I know that I am going to spending most of my time in the house, but may go out for a night or two, I’ll usually pack large satchel bag and a simple clutch. This brown Marc by Marc Jacobs Globetrotter Calamity Rei bag is large enough to pack items, but can also be worn out. Not to mention the gorgeousness of the rich praline color!
6. Outerwear: This is entirely dependent on your geographic location. In Chicago, we usually have bone chilling winds and either snow, or this year, rain in December. This extreme weather calls for a heavy-duty coat, but if your residing in a region with a milder climate, a leather jacket (loving the olive colored one pictured here) would be perfect!
7. Footwear: It can be easy to think about all of the possible situations that you might encounter which could call for a riding boot, and a flat ankle boot, a pump, and open toe, and … the list could go on and on. However, the zipped ankle boot with a small heel might be the only shoe you need. This bootie from Topshop is the ultimate multi-tasker as it can be worn with your skinny jeans, leggings, and skirt and tights combo and still look chic. The low heel keeps this shoe comfortable enough to trek through the mall with grandma, but sharp enough to maintain your fashionista rep while strolling through your hometown ;)
What are you bringing home for the holidays?! 
photos: 1, 2

This year, I’ve been more excited than usual about Thanksgiving and Christmas. Maybe I’m getting sentimental in my old age (28) or maybe it’s because it means time off of work ;) After convincing a few friends to host holiday parties and possible Nutcracker tickets on the horizon with the husband, I realized I may need something new to wear. Okay, that’s really just an excuse to shop, but I can rationalize any purchase. Let’s start from the top. A new black leather watch is a strong contender on my wish list this holiday season and the Nixon Mellor Automatic in rose gold and black is my number one choice. The only issue is that it’s $600, but if you’ve got some spare cash to burn, don’t hesitate to scoop this beauty up. Marc by Marc Jacobs makes a more affordable option with a mirrored face.  I love the idea of navy and burgundy paired together for the winter. The Shoshanna dress is part sweater on top part flouncy chiffon on bottom and on sale at Shopbop currently. I love the idea of a navy dress with burgundy opaque tights like these from the Gap. If the cost of the Shoshanna dress is too severe for you, Asos carries the Keepsake Hearts Collide Dress, on sale for just under $140. The idea of this strong color combination might be a bit too stark for some, if so, try a black opaque or a polka dot tight like these from Spanx. Now on to some jewelry… I have been inspired by this photo of Vanessa Hudgens’s rings for quite some time now. I know that might seem like an odd thing to say, but take a close up look at the shot and you’ll see what I mean. On a side note- her mirrored nail polish and silvery, smokey shadow is also awesome. At any rate, I have been searching for an angular knuckle ring like hers to pair with some of my other larger rings for awhile now. Luckily, my go-to-spot, Shopbop, had them. These rings by SunaharA Malibu, come in a set of each color of gold and are made form old coins. If you like the idea of a knuckle ring, but not sure if you can keep them on your fingers (an issue I sometimes experience) try the floating knuckle ring by Campbell, which is held on by a ring at the base of the finger. Finally, plaid, or tartan, which is a specific type of plaid which originates in Scotland, is next on the list.  The Thakoon Addition Sheath Dress is amazing! It combines quilted tan leather on top with dark tartan for the skirt with slit pockets trimmed with leather. I also love how it’s style with heathered charcoal tights in the photo. If committing to a plaid dress, seems too trendy for you, how about a tablet case by McQ Alexander McQueen? This deep red and mustard option is hard to pass up for only $73. I recently purchased this tartan blazer from the Gap during the black Friday weekend sales. I’m looking forward to wearing it with a chambray top and maybe a leather skirt or pants.  What’s on your need it now list? I’d love to hear about it! 

This year, I’ve been more excited than usual about Thanksgiving and Christmas. Maybe I’m getting sentimental in my old age (28) or maybe it’s because it means time off of work ;) After convincing a few friends to host holiday parties and possible Nutcracker tickets on the horizon with the husband, I realized I may need something new to wear. Okay, that’s really just an excuse to shop, but I can rationalize any purchase.

Let’s start from the top. A new black leather watch is a strong contender on my wish list this holiday season and the Nixon Mellor Automatic in rose gold and black is my number one choice. The only issue is that it’s $600, but if you’ve got some spare cash to burn, don’t hesitate to scoop this beauty up. Marc by Marc Jacobs makes a more affordable option with a mirrored face. 

I love the idea of navy and burgundy paired together for the winter. The Shoshanna dress is part sweater on top part flouncy chiffon on bottom and on sale at Shopbop currently. I love the idea of a navy dress with burgundy opaque tights like these from the Gap. If the cost of the Shoshanna dress is too severe for you, Asos carries the Keepsake Hearts Collide Dress, on sale for just under $140. The idea of this strong color combination might be a bit too stark for some, if so, try a black opaque or a polka dot tight like these from Spanx.

Now on to some jewelry… I have been inspired by this photo of Vanessa Hudgens’s rings for quite some time now. I know that might seem like an odd thing to say, but take a close up look at the shot and you’ll see what I mean. On a side note- her mirrored nail polish and silvery, smokey shadow is also awesome. At any rate, I have been searching for an angular knuckle ring like hers to pair with some of my other larger rings for awhile now. Luckily, my go-to-spot, Shopbop, had them. These rings by SunaharA Malibu, come in a set of each color of gold and are made form old coins. If you like the idea of a knuckle ring, but not sure if you can keep them on your fingers (an issue I sometimes experience) try the floating knuckle ring by Campbell, which is held on by a ring at the base of the finger.

Finally, plaid, or tartan, which is a specific type of plaid which originates in Scotland, is next on the list.  The Thakoon Addition Sheath Dress is amazing! It combines quilted tan leather on top with dark tartan for the skirt with slit pockets trimmed with leather. I also love how it’s style with heathered charcoal tights in the photo. If committing to a plaid dress, seems too trendy for you, how about a tablet case by McQ Alexander McQueen? This deep red and mustard option is hard to pass up for only $73. I recently purchased this tartan blazer from the Gap during the black Friday weekend sales. I’m looking forward to wearing it with a chambray top and maybe a leather skirt or pants. 

What’s on your need it now list? I’d love to hear about it! 

Now Trending: Wedge Sneakers When it comes to trends, I typically take note of what’s coming around the proverbial bend, but also find it interesting to study how history repeats itself through fashion trends. When it comes to my personal style, I wear whatever catches my eye, seems unique, and best suits my mood and body type. In other words, with some trends I’ll go full force and with others I completely ignore them. When I first saw the Wedge Sneaker, I thought they were horrific and hoped this would be one of those trends that would pass quickly, but like even the most annoying pop song, the wedge sneaker slowly started to grow on me over time.  The more I see them, the more I kind of want them. However, I’m trying to resist the urge because I have never felt that sneakers look good on me (maybe it’s because I wear a size 10 and have flat feet), but then I think that maybe the hidden wedge would take away from the sloppiness of the average sneaker and might be unlike any shoe I’ve ever tried on. Do you find the wedge sneaker to be repugnant or the most interesting idea in casual footwear since LA Lights ;)?  If you are considering snapping up a pair of your own wedge sneakers, I’ve presented a few options here in a variety of price ranges. This trend could be credited to a few different designers, but it was the Willow sneaker by Isabel Marant that became a smash hit this past summer. These sneakers have a one inch hidden wedge, velcro straps, and a large tongue (I’m talking about the shoe tongue, people). These will set you back about $700 a pair. Next, are the mid-priced options by Ash. The black leather pair on the left retail for $295 while the Navy suede pair on the right retail at $235. If your looking to invest and can’t afford to spend half of your rent on a pair of gym shoes, these may be perfect for you. If you think this trend is odd, but are still strangely drawn to the wedge sneaker, Steve Madden may have the wedge sneaker for you. These are still $149.95, but if you subscribe to email updates from Steve Madden you can usually find a sale code.  In case your trying to get the jump on trends for winter, you’ll want to look into the Youri Shearling Wedge Boots by Ash. These are the hybrid between wedge sneakers and Ugg Boots. Are these better than the sneakers? Okay, so am I nuts or are these crazy excuse for shoes seeming cooler by the moment or are you going to avoid the sneaker wedge trend at all cost? Ash wedge sneaker / Ash sneaker / Ash wedge shoes / Steve Madden high top shoes / Isabel Marant Wedge Sneakers Isabel Marant Sneakers 2012 Isabel Marant…
Now Trending: Wedge Sneakers

When it comes to trends, I typically take note of what’s coming around the proverbial bend, but also find it interesting to study how history repeats itself through fashion trends. When it comes to my personal style, I wear whatever catches my eye, seems unique, and best suits my mood and body type. In other words, with some trends I’ll go full force and with others I completely ignore them. When I first saw the Wedge Sneaker, I thought they were horrific and hoped this would be one of those trends that would pass quickly, but like even the most annoying pop song, the wedge sneaker slowly started to grow on me over time. 

The more I see them, the more I kind of want them. However, I’m trying to resist the urge because I have never felt that sneakers look good on me (maybe it’s because I wear a size 10 and have flat feet), but then I think that maybe the hidden wedge would take away from the sloppiness of the average sneaker and might be unlike any shoe I’ve ever tried on.

Do you find the wedge sneaker to be repugnant or the most interesting idea in casual footwear since LA Lights ;)? 

If you are considering snapping up a pair of your own wedge sneakers, I’ve presented a few options here in a variety of price ranges. This trend could be credited to a few different designers, but it was the Willow sneaker by Isabel Marant that became a smash hit this past summer. These sneakers have a one inch hidden wedge, velcro straps, and a large tongue (I’m talking about the shoe tongue, people). These will set you back about $700 a pair.

Next, are the mid-priced options by Ash. The black leather pair on the left retail for $295 while the Navy suede pair on the right retail at $235. If your looking to invest and can’t afford to spend half of your rent on a pair of gym shoes, these may be perfect for you.

If you think this trend is odd, but are still strangely drawn to the wedge sneaker, Steve Madden may have the wedge sneaker for you. These are still $149.95, but if you subscribe to email updates from Steve Madden you can usually find a sale code. 

In case your trying to get the jump on trends for winter, you’ll want to look into the Youri Shearling Wedge Boots by Ash. These are the hybrid between wedge sneakers and Ugg Boots. Are these better than the sneakers?
Okay, so am I nuts or are these crazy excuse for shoes seeming cooler by the moment or are you going to avoid the sneaker wedge trend at all cost?
Fall Punch List: Bags Last week when I posted my Fall Punch List of women’s apparel, I had planned on creating another set for bags and shoes, but with so many phenomenal bag options this autumn, I could barely fit all of them in one post! FYI: shoe punch list coming soon… Let’s get started. Across the top of the page I’ve included a variety of differing styles of clutches for fall. The portfolio clutch was a big street style staple during New York Fashion Week (see The Cut’s slideshow here) and Tory Burch has a beautiful portfolio-style Envelope Clutch option in several fall colors. Personally I like the pretty violet color shown here. PVC and lucite clutches are not just for employees at the mall anymore. Mnologie from Etsy.com, makes a funky clear clutch (second across the top) in three colors that will definitely give you that “something different” feel that you may be looking for. The black studded hair calf clutch from Zara is reminiscent to higher priced options from Valentino, but at $99 is much less of a financial commitment. BCBGMAXAZRIA has used the same shape clutch for a few years now, but if it works, why change it right? This fall they’ve reintroduced this envelope clutchin metallics and color blocked styles and I highly approve! Last but not least in our clutch section is the gold minaudiere on a gold chain from Rebecca Minkoff. I had desperately wanted to purchase this small clutch for my wedding, but at the last minute decided that there were other things we needed to spend our money on. Anywho, this minaudiere can transition easily from season to season and be used as a clutch or shoulder bag. Next up we have our larger bags. Pictured above is the Edie Duffle Bag from BCBGMAXAZRIA in blue depths. This photo does not do justice to the rich color of this bag. I also love that this has the drop handles as well as a longer strap for more versatility. Second in the larger bag category is the Morandi Croc-embossed Satchel from Pour la Victoire. This bag has expandable side compartments in a burgundy suede that, when open, look a lot like everyone’s favorite Celine bag. Last is the Print Lizard Prisma Tote by Alexander Wang in oxblood. The metal corners add an edge to this simple, but beautiful tote in fall’s most coveted color. The last category of bags that I wanted to cover are the cross body and shoulder bags. In the bottom corner is the Coach Legacy Leather Penny Purse in emerald. This is a classically shaped purse in a punched up modern color and it can be worn to work as easily as it could be for a night out. Next is the Copley Saddlebag in Neon Persimmon from J.Crew. This is another bag that you have to see in person to get a true feel for the color. It’s eye-catching! Finally, I included The Mini Bag from popular shoe designed line, Loeffler Randall. This bag is cute because it’s rather small, but the snakeskin and black color blocking as well as the metal detailing make this a must-have for fall! This list is by no means comprehensive. Is there anything I’m missing in the way of fall arm candy, and no, I don’t mean bracelets!
Fall Punch List: Bags

Last week when I posted my Fall Punch List of women’s apparel, I had planned on creating another set for bags and shoes, but with so many phenomenal bag options this autumn, I could barely fit all of them in one post! FYI: shoe punch list coming soon…

Let’s get started. Across the top of the page I’ve included a variety of differing styles of clutches for fall. The portfolio clutch was a big street style staple during New York Fashion Week (see The Cut’s slideshow here) and Tory Burch has a beautiful portfolio-style Envelope Clutch option in several fall colors. Personally I like the pretty violet color shown here.

PVC and lucite clutches are not just for employees at the mall anymore. Mnologie from Etsy.com, makes a funky clear clutch (second across the top) in three colors that will definitely give you that “something different” feel that you may be looking for. The black studded hair calf clutch from Zara is reminiscent to higher priced options from Valentino, but at $99 is much less of a financial commitment. BCBGMAXAZRIA has used the same shape clutch for a few years now, but if it works, why change it right? This fall they’ve reintroduced this envelope clutchin metallics and color blocked styles and I highly approve!

Last but not least in our clutch section is the gold minaudiere on a gold chain from Rebecca Minkoff. I had desperately wanted to purchase this small clutch for my wedding, but at the last minute decided that there were other things we needed to spend our money on. Anywho, this minaudiere can transition easily from season to season and be used as a clutch or shoulder bag.

Next up we have our larger bags. Pictured above is the Edie Duffle Bag from BCBGMAXAZRIA in blue depths. This photo does not do justice to the rich color of this bag. I also love that this has the drop handles as well as a longer strap for more versatility. Second in the larger bag category is the Morandi Croc-embossed Satchel from Pour la Victoire. This bag has expandable side compartments in a burgundy suede that, when open, look a lot like everyone’s favorite Celine bag. Last is the Print Lizard Prisma Tote by Alexander Wang in oxblood. The metal corners add an edge to this simple, but beautiful tote in fall’s most coveted color.

The last category of bags that I wanted to cover are the cross body and shoulder bags. In the bottom corner is the Coach Legacy Leather Penny Purse in emerald. This is a classically shaped purse in a punched up modern color and it can be worn to work as easily as it could be for a night out. Next is the Copley Saddlebag in Neon Persimmon from J.Crew. This is another bag that you have to see in person to get a true feel for the color. It’s eye-catching! Finally, I included The Mini Bag from popular shoe designed line, Loeffler Randall. This bag is cute because it’s rather small, but the snakeskin and black color blocking as well as the metal detailing make this a must-have for fall!

This list is by no means comprehensive. Is there anything I’m missing in the way of fall arm candy, and no, I don’t mean bracelets!
FALL PUNCH LIST With the leaves beginning to drop, and warm drinks starting to look appealing again, I am truly looking forward to going on a fall shopping spree, but with so many options, it’s easy to get distracted with impulse buys. To avoid spending a whole paycheck on the first thing you see, I’ve developed a fall punch list to help all of us focus our fall shopping efforts! Note: this is part one of twobecause there was no freaking way that I could fit all of the shoe and bag options on here. So here it goes… 1. Coated/Waxed Denim Coated denim is a more affordable and breathable option than real leather, but with the same look. This fall, waxed denim comes in a variety of rich colors and lengths. From left to right: DL1961 Emma Coated Legging. These cropped leggings come in an amazing amethyst color that put them at the top of my list. Second, is the Rag & Bone/JEAN super skinny jeans in black. I love the placement of the zippers and the black is versatile enough to be paired with a silk blouse and blazer or a chambray button-up. The third option is by J Brand Jeans and comes in an on-trend burgundy color. 2. Jade colored mini skirt Green is big for fall and is flattering on most skin types. This felted wool skirt from J.Crew is mini length and can become the focal point when pared with neutrals or can be punched up by color blocking with yellow, blue, or even burgundy.  3. Leather Watches As much as I love my gold Michael Kors watch, I’ve been feeling ready for a change in the wrist-wear department for awhile now. These leather watches take me back to my childhood when I got my first red leather Guess watch from my uncle for my 9th birthday. Something about these watches scream fall to me and take me back to that special time, in more ways then one, ha! Get it? Ok… moving on. The two options on the ends are both by Nixon. The brown leather strapped watch is by Marc by Marc Jacobs and the black watch is by Michael Kors. I love how vintage the MK one feels.  4. Coats and Jackets A classic trench never goes out of style, but instead of the expected beige or black, try a warm bordeaux or and olive green to change things up. The second jacket on my punch list is a camouflage coat. This one from Zara has jeweled embellishments to help add some femininity to this masculine print. As we’ve seen on the runways, white is not going anywhere and there’s nothing like a pop of white in fall to make a statement. This jacket, also from Zara, has an interesting cut to the lapels that makes this coat one of a kind.  Stay tuned for my Fall Punch List part two featuring bags and shoes! How are you feeling about my outwear, wristwear, and pant/skirt options? Missing something? Let me know here! Photo found here.
FALL PUNCH LIST

With the leaves beginning to drop, and warm drinks starting to look appealing again, I am truly looking forward to going on a fall shopping spree, but with so many options, it’s easy to get distracted with impulse buys. To avoid spending a whole paycheck on the first thing you see, I’ve developed a fall punch list to help all of us focus our fall shopping efforts! Note: this is part one of twobecause there was no freaking way that I could fit all of the shoe and bag options on here. So here it goes…

1. Coated/Waxed Denim

Coated denim is a more affordable and breathable option than real leather, but with the same look. This fall, waxed denim comes in a variety of rich colors and lengths. From left to right: DL1961 Emma Coated Legging. These cropped leggings come in an amazing amethyst color that put them at the top of my list. Second, is the Rag & Bone/JEAN super skinny jeans in black. I love the placement of the zippers and the black is versatile enough to be paired with a silk blouse and blazer or a chambray button-up. The third option is by J Brand Jeans and comes in an on-trend burgundy color.

2. Jade colored mini skirt

Green is big for fall and is flattering on most skin types. This felted wool skirt from J.Crew is mini length and can become the focal point when pared with neutrals or can be punched up by color blocking with yellow, blue, or even burgundy. 

3. Leather Watches

As much as I love my gold Michael Kors watch, I’ve been feeling ready for a change in the wrist-wear department for awhile now. These leather watches take me back to my childhood when I got my first red leather Guess watch from my uncle for my 9th birthday. Something about these watches scream fall to me and take me back to that special time, in more ways then one, ha! Get it? Ok… moving on. The two options on the ends are both by Nixon. The brown leather strapped watch is by Marc by Marc Jacobs and the black watch is by Michael Kors. I love how vintage the MK one feels. 

4. Coats and Jackets

A classic trench never goes out of style, but instead of the expected beige or black, try a warm bordeaux or and olive green to change things up. The second jacket on my punch list is a camouflage coat. This one from Zara has jeweled embellishments to help add some femininity to this masculine print. As we’ve seen on the runways, white is not going anywhere and there’s nothing like a pop of white in fall to make a statement. This jacket, also from Zara, has an interesting cut to the lapels that makes this coat one of a kind. 

Stay tuned for my Fall Punch List part two featuring bags and shoes!

How are you feeling about my outwear, wristwear, and pant/skirt options? Missing something? Let me know here!

Photo found here.
Celebrity Style: Fall Trends Fall is fast upon us, which means, it’s time to make some changes to our wardrobes. This spring we saw the trend of colored jeans become highly coveted by consumers and reproduced by everyone from high-end designers to mass market retailers. This trend continues into fall, but gets punched up a notch with the introduction of bold patterns. I though that Taylor Swift looked fresh and effortless (photo 1) in her polka dot cropped pants and velvet slippers. To recreate her look try the H&M Trousers or the Madewell Printed Skinny Jeans shown here. You can’t go wrong with spicing up your bottoms with some polka dots! The Plaid Capelet Top by Free People is an interesting version of a button down because the sleeves have a slightly different pattern than the body of the shirt (photos 2). I was instantly drawn to this photo of Pippa Middleton (even though her pants look like they might split at any second!) because of the way she dresses up a casual plaid button up with a blazer, red jeans, and ankle boots.  To me, plaid and fall just seem to go together, but you can pull it off without having to look like a lumber jack. See Emma Watson in the McQ mini dress. Want to go in a different direction with this look? How about the Invitation Clutch in electric plaid by J.Crew? I recently tweeted @IamCattSadler after seeing her sporting the metallic pumps on E! News (see photo 3 above) because I had to know who they were by. Fortunately, I didn’t have to wait long because she responded right away! Unfortunately, she tweeted they were Guiseppe Zanotti and retail for about $650. Ouch. Not to worry though, luckily, J.Crew makes a few different silver and gold shoes and Topshop offers a similar pair for about $96. I am in love with the metallic look and think they could even dress up a casual outfit like worn-in skinny jeans, a fitted white t-shirt, and a leather jacket.  Will you be incorporating any of these trends into your fall look? Celebrity Style: Fall Trends by openandclothes featuring slim fit pants Photos: 1, 2, 2.5, 3

Celebrity Style: Fall Trends

Fall is fast upon us, which means, it’s time to make some changes to our wardrobes. This spring we saw the trend of colored jeans become highly coveted by consumers and reproduced by everyone from high-end designers to mass market retailers. This trend continues into fall, but gets punched up a notch with the introduction of bold patterns. I though that Taylor Swift looked fresh and effortless (photo 1) in her polka dot cropped pants and velvet slippers. To recreate her look try the H&M Trousers or the Madewell Printed Skinny Jeans shown here. You can’t go wrong with spicing up your bottoms with some polka dots!

The Plaid Capelet Top by Free People is an interesting version of a button down because the sleeves have a slightly different pattern than the body of the shirt (photos 2). I was instantly drawn to this photo of Pippa Middleton (even though her pants look like they might split at any second!) because of the way she dresses up a casual plaid button up with a blazer, red jeans, and ankle boots. 

To me, plaid and fall just seem to go together, but you can pull it off without having to look like a lumber jack. See Emma Watson in the McQ mini dress. Want to go in a different direction with this look? How about the Invitation Clutch in electric plaid by J.Crew?

I recently tweeted @IamCattSadler after seeing her sporting the metallic pumps on E! News (see photo 3 above) because I had to know who they were by. Fortunately, I didn’t have to wait long because she responded right away! Unfortunately, she tweeted they were Guiseppe Zanotti and retail for about $650. Ouch. Not to worry though, luckily, J.Crew makes a few different silver and gold shoes and Topshop offers a similar pair for about $96. I am in love with the metallic look and think they could even dress up a casual outfit like worn-in skinny jeans, a fitted white t-shirt, and a leather jacket. 

Will you be incorporating any of these trends into your fall look?

Photos: 1, 2, 2.5, 3

What the heck is BB Ceam?! You’ve probably been hearing or seeing a lot of a new product to the the U.S. called BB Cream. When I first saw a commercial for BB Cream, there wasn’t a whole lot of detail about exactly what the product did or how it was different. The ad didn’t even explain what BB stood for. I thought this was kind of odd, so I did some research. According to Wikipedia, BB Cream, or Beauty Balm or Blemish Balm, is a product that has become extremely popular in Korea. The product boasts the ability to hydrate, highlight, cover, provide sun protection, and prep skin. Since it’s raise is popularity in Asia, it’s started to pop up in Europe and the U.S. A number of ads are saying that BB Cream is thick enough to be used as a quick fix, cover-all, but light enough to use as a primer. BB Cream is high on my beauty wish list so I want to put it to the test and see what all of the talk is about, but before I do that I wanted to see who made the best BB Creams.  I took a look at sephora.com and found some BB Cream’s with positive reviews. According to the site, Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream controls oil, but also highlights. Clinique’s Age Defense BB Cream is said to be “weekend makeup, used in a minute.” Stila’s BB Cream is created to lessen the look of wrinkles and Garnier’s BB Cream is meant to moisturize and provide coverage at a more affordable price (about $11). Today I saw an article from Refinery 29 about CC (Color Control) Cream, which is meant to provide all of the benefits of BB Cream with added coverage. I don’t know if these new products will replace my Bare Minerals (I’m addicted!), but I’m going to give it a shot and maybe even post a video! Have you tried BB Cream yet? Stila matte foundation / Smashbox beauty product / Stila beauty product / Clinique beauty product/Garnier product/ Wikipedia
What the heck is BB Ceam?!

You’ve probably been hearing or seeing a lot of a new product to the the U.S. called BB Cream. When I first saw a commercial for BB Cream, there wasn’t a whole lot of detail about exactly what the product did or how it was different. The ad didn’t even explain what BB stood for. I thought this was kind of odd, so I did some research.

According to Wikipedia, BB Cream, or Beauty Balm or Blemish Balm, is a product that has become extremely popular in Korea. The product boasts the ability to hydrate, highlight, cover, provide sun protection, and prep skin. Since it’s raise is popularity in Asia, it’s started to pop up in Europe and the U.S. A number of ads are saying that BB Cream is thick enough to be used as a quick fix, cover-all, but light enough to use as a primer. BB Cream is high on my beauty wish list so I want to put it to the test and see what all of the talk is about, but before I do that I wanted to see who made the best BB Creams. 

I took a look at sephora.com and found some BB Cream’s with positive reviews. According to the site, Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream controls oil, but also highlights. Clinique’s Age Defense BB Cream is said to be “weekend makeup, used in a minute.” Stila’s BB Cream is created to lessen the look of wrinkles and Garnier’s BB Cream is meant to moisturize and provide coverage at a more affordable price (about $11).

Today I saw an article from Refinery 29 about CC (Color Control) Cream, which is meant to provide all of the benefits of BB Cream with added coverage. I don’t know if these new products will replace my Bare Minerals (I’m addicted!), but I’m going to give it a shot and maybe even post a video!