it's Fall 2013: Plaid

Plaid is upon us ladies.  The fashion world is mad for plaid this season.  We will be seeing tartans and checks in everything from shoes and sunglasses to skirts and pants.

Plaid takes me right back to my favorite Woolrich scarf that I wore to death in college.  Then there's that classic burberry scarf that I picked up at the Duty Free Shop at Heathrow in the 90s, that I still own and will be dragging out shortly.   

If you live in New England, you have to have one piece of plaid in your fall wardrobe.  How to wear plaid this season?  You may see me in a pair of Zara plaid pants or a fun Uniqlo jacket.  Or swaddled in this gorgeous cashmere blanket from One Kings Lane.  You will not see me in a plaid pleated mini skirt or wearing plaid-frame ray bans.  But they are out there!

Play it easy and go with the preppy vibe.  A plaid shirt will do what your demin shirt does and so much more.   Try layering it under a chunky sweater with jeans and a vest.   

W2WW Plaid Outfit 

Theory sweater / Patagonia down vest / Joie mid rise skinny jeans / Tod's red moccasin / Tote bag / Watch / Made heart charm / Accessorize crystal necklace / Ray-Ban green sunglasses, $200 / MADEWELL Flannel Boyshirt in Fence Plaid

Plaid is a classic that can add that much needed pops of color to the uniform of the day.  Here are some of my favorite scarves.  Throw one on with a sweater, cardigan or jacket and your outfit and mood will be transformed! ~ LB

W2WW Plaid Scarves

GANT blue crew neck sweater / Burberry / Burberry accessory / Madewell scarve / J.Crew tartan plaid scarve / Scarve / Lands End scarve / Cotton scarve / Gap Exploded Plaid Scarf - olive

W2WW Around Town - W2WW Blogger hosting W by Worth trunk show

In the past, I've mentioned a line of clothing that is shown and sold in trunk-show format by Worth representatives in homes 4 times a year: spring, summer, fall, holiday.  That clothing brand is W by Worth, and the line is literally coming to my living room next week!  W by Worth is quality clothing that is classic, on-trend and that will work in your wardrobe for a number of seasons. 

From Tuesday, September 24th through Tuesday, October 1st, W by Worth stylist, Heather Steele, will be hosting both the Fall and Holiday 2013 lines at my house!  So fun!  

So what does this mean?!  How does this work?!  Heather will have sample sets of the fall and holiday clothing lines.  Expect about 5-6 rolling racks of clothing:  sweaters, dresses, pants (some of my FAVORITE pants come from W by Worth), scarves, blouses, etc.  Ladies can make appointments with Heather to stop by, browse through the clothing, try on what you like, and order those items if you find something you love.  There are outfits and items for the ladies who lunch, those who bring home the bacon, and everyone in between.  Heather is a stylist and can help put together looks that work together and/or with other pieces you already own.   

For me, it's going to be a problem.  Playing with clothing in my house for a week.  Sounds like DISASTER for my wallet.  

In preparation, I've been trolling around their website.  These are a few of the looks that have caught my eye.  

Contact Heather for an appointment - don't be intimidated by the 'appointment'.  It just makes it easier to see who is coming when.  I certainly hope to see some of you all there and see what outfits you fall in love with.  And don't mind me if I can't help myself and start styling! Can't wait! ~ JH

All images from wbyworth.com.

it's Fall 2013: Short Booties

Unlike my blogging partner, I'm not physically capable of wearing ballet flats after the first frost.  I need socks otherwise I'm in a state of perma-cold!  I also start wearing gloves around the same time.  ($1 at A.C. Moore, I get 10 pairs of black every season and am never at a loss when one inevitably goes missing.)

Enter the short bootie!  It's a versatile addition to the closet since it can be worn with ANYTHING while you can still comfortably navigate cobblestones, bike paths, soccer fields, and neighborhood streets.  Short height + short heel = fashion perfection!

Over slim, boot-cut jeans, they are a great option instead of sneakers or clogs.

Image from girlaroundtown.net.

Image from calypsostbarth.com.

Pants are still slim and cropped (or rolled to a crop) this fall, so booties help you get a few more weeks out of white jeans as you transition to fall.  Pair with cropped gray or black pants as fall and colder temps roll in.

Image from thestyleup.com. 

Image from calypsostbarth.com.

I wear dresses and skirts to work and short booties are a fresh alternative to tall riding boots.  Pippa's got a wedge going on with tights.  I'm more of a shift/tunic girl with bare legs and booties.

Image from girlaroundtown.net.

Image from calypsostbarth.com.

Skinny, skinny leggings can be tucked in and worn with a big coat or sweater for a great fall vibe, or with a dressy tunic for nights out.

Image from girlaroundtown.net.

Image from calypsostbarth.com.

If you have great legs, wear them with shorts!

Image from hereyouarefw.com.

Image from calypsostbarth.com.

Deciding which color as been the big challenge for me.  Consider camel suede or colored leather.  I tend to wear white, ivory, grey, and camel a lot.  Non-black suedes and darker leathers offer texture, richness and contrast where black can fall flat.  Plus, how many pairs of black boots do you have in your closet?  Be honest. Yep, we thought so.

Check out my Polyvore set below for inspiration and ideas!  Happy shopping! ~ LB

W2WW: short booties

Elizabeth and James long boots / Alberto Fermani ankle booties / Madewell black mid heel boots / Ankle booties / Burberry ankle booties / J.Crew ankle booties / J.Crew ankle booties / J.Crew polishing boots / Jack Wills black floral boots / Tod's tods boots / Madewell boots / Sam Edelman ankle booties / Tod's tods boots

it's Fall 2013: Camouflage.

Years ago at the day-after-Christmas-morning-sale-at-Saks, I found a pair of gorgeous, Prada camouflage flats. 1/2 off the sale price.  I shrugged, said 'why not', and purchased them.  I've loved them over the years, but it's only recently that camouflage has become mainstream.  I'm going to live in them this fall.

Fall 2013 is the season to shop it and wear it!  Camo is everywhere.  J.Crew has already sold out of their camo pants for fall.  The Gap I was in today had also sold out.  My oldest daughter even got in on the act and fell in love with these camo leggings.

Image from splendid.com.

But just because some looks have sold out doesn't mean you have missed out.  There are tons of great options out there!  Some of my favorites?  Let's start with these Pretty Ballerinas pointy toe ballet flats.  What do you wear them with?  A column of black, black cropped pants and a top, with a denim skirt.  Heaven!  If I didn't already have camo ballet flats, I'd be on the phone in a heartbeat.  

Image from prettyballerinas.us.

And what about this tank, layered under a sweater, black jacket or long cardigan?  A subtle nod to the trend if you don't think a pair of camo pants is the answer for you.

Image from piperlime.com

Or heck, go for the full pant.  These pants by Baldwin Denim aren't skin-tight and have nice lines.  I kind of love them.  (And they are on sale.)

Image from shopbop.com.

How to wear camouflage?!  Here are some thoughts:

• If you have a camo pant/legging - think of black, deep navy, jean or chambray, white, light gray, or light pink tops to pair with them. I really like a light pink - can you see putting a J.Crew pink v-neck sweater on top of the Baldwin camo pants?!  I can.  I think a pink softens the 'tough' of the camouflage.
• If you have a camo jacket, keep the rest of your look neutral underneath.  That's a lot of print you are wearing already.
• Use camo as a 'pop' in a tank under a sweater or jacket or on your feet with a fun pair of flats.  I've worn my camouflage flats with jeans and black skinny pants.  (Maybe I should pair them with white jeans or winter white cords.) A camouflage scarf would be a fun way to dip your toe in the trend also.

Whatever you decide, don't be afraid to try! ~ JH

W2WW: Camouflage

Christopher Kane camo hoodie / DKNY crew neck pullover / Madewell camo jacket / TEXTILE Elizabeth and James skinny jeans / rag & bone/JEAN slouch skinny jeans / Baldwin Denim boyfriend jeans / Sam Edelman flat shoes / Anniel ballet shoes / Clare Vivier clutch / Roffe Accessories fringe shawl / Glam Bands elastic hair tie / Alternative Print Short Sleeve Crew Tee Shirt

it's Fall 2013: Overview of Handbags

Purses, handbags, clutches, hobos, totes, shoulder bags, lions and tigers and bears, oh my!   A good friend and reader asked if we could do a post of the purses for fall - best high-end, luxury bag, best evening clutch, best cross body bag. Trust me, this girl is a purse-a-holic; these are loaded questions.  

You would be surprised to know that I don't have as many purses as you think I would.  Neither does Lisa.  Shocked?!  We are both pretty picky about the bags we carry.  For example, I searched for about 2 years before I found the perfect black clutch.  I finally found it at Vanessa Bruno, in Paris while shopping with Lisa.  She can attest to my instant and profound love of this clutch.

Personally, I have a couple of odd hang-ups when looking for a bag for myself.  I dislike singular logos (for example, I LOVE Prada bags but can't get past the big Prada metal logo in the middle of the pristine leather) but don't mind an all over logo look, like Louis Vuitton or Goyard. I love quality; if I'm going to spend time and energy researching bags, it had better last more than one season.  I'm a neutral girl, unless we're talking about clutches, and then all bets are off.  And I like keeping hardware to a dull roar.

So, here's a fantasy list of bags I've been drawn to this year.

I have been particularly enamored with the Reed Krakoff Standard Hobo bag. I've spent some time pawing it in Saks.  The leather is AH-MAZ-ING and the way is falls, it hugs your body at your side.  I'd say this a great choice for high-end luxury bag.  It also has a strap for a cross-body look; this would be my number one choice for cross-body bag!

Image from bergdorfgoodman.com.

Speaking of Reed, I am nuts about this clutch for evening!  Great colors, PRINTED suede, sleek. It also comes in 'eggshell' or black patent leather, but this print is so unique.  Ahhh.

Image from bergdorfgoodman.com.

Speaking of clutches, I'm also mad about these Clare Vivier foldover clutches.  There are 35+ material options to choose from and the $210 price point is a much easier pill to swallow than the price tag on the Reed Krakoff.  Not as 'sleek' for evening, but great for a dinner out or running around.  I just might have to purchase the cheetah print one.  Just saying.

Image from clarevivier.com.

I have admired Anya Hindmarch clutches for many years.  This snakeskin Valorie clutch is a great piece to have.  Will go with every LBD you have and will never go out of style.

Image from shopbop.com.

Finally, Lauren Merkin is a the clutch specialist.  She features 21 different styles of clutches, and uses about a dozen different fabric choices for each one.  I own 3 (?) of her clutches, and use them all pretty regularly.  I love the 'Caroline' style; this black glass encrusted Caroline clutch is a great formal bag to own.

Image from laurenmerkin.com.

Clearly, I got off track discussing clutches.  Let's get back to high-end, luxury bags.  I recently discovered Moreau bags - simply elegant.  Barney's carries them, and I'm drawn to the Bregançon Zip Tote.  At $3,100, it's luxuriously hand-stitched with waxed thread.  I adore the heavy stitching.  This is some tote (and if it's not pricey enough for you, the $24,000 croc version should do, no?!).

Image from barneys.com.

I've also been admiring the new Saint Laurent bags.  As I've been trolling the web, I've been drawn to their simple, elegant designs.  The 'Betty' bag is a lovely shoulder bag, a nice change from the classic Chanel 2.55 bags.

Image from nordstrom.com.

The other Saint Laurent bag that's stopped me in my tracks is the North-South tote bag.  A simple tote, but reversible.  The tote below reverses to a solid black leather.  This one's from Bergdorfs, but there are others out there with other color combinations.  

Image from bergdorfgoodman.com.

The new 3.1 Philip Lim '31 Hour' tote is a very lux-looking bag for under $1,000.  It's a classic look, with an interesting zip/fold-over closure.  And I love the navy leather.

Image from nordstrom.com.

The price is right on this mini crossbody bag.  While not new in 2013, the Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC is adorable and I've always admired it.  The right size, useful, and affordable at $195.

Image from cusp.com.

That about covers my fantasy purse/handbag/clutch list.  Hope it inspires! ~ JH

W2WW News Flash - dressboston re-opens on Beacon Hill.

About a year and a half ago, we sadly informed you that one of my favorite shops in Boston was closing.  Boo hoo!

Last week, I received a delightful email, informing me that dressboston was re-openning on Beacon Hill!

Right next to Cafe Vanille, I cannot wait to hit the racks!  Featuring designers like A.P.C., Vanessa Bruno, Clare Vivier (whose clutches I go CRAZY for), and Issa, it's a great addition to the Boston shopping scene.  If you find yourself in Beacon Hill, be sure to swing by.  Welcome back dressboston! ~ JH

it's Fall 2013: the Non-collegiate Sweatshirt.

There are here, there and everywhere.  Updated 'sweatshirts'. No, not with 'Harvard University' emblazoned across the front.  With gems and top stitching, the new sweatshirt is cool and comfortable.  Easy over jeans, cords, and dressed up over a pencil skirt.

The Polyvore set below uses my favorite casual item du jour to create a very wearable look for fall that will go miles, from drop off, to the office, and back out for lunch.

Created by Lisa Bida on polyvore.com.

Here's a few more ideas for sweatshirts too if you are curious about how ye old sweatshirt could be anything but collegiate and unflattering.

Created by Lisa Bida and Jennifer Houston on polyvore.com.

So the next time you see a sweatshirt, look at it a little differently than you did in 8th grade. ~ LB