Ode to the Perfect Black Pant

Happy New Year everyone!

Yes, I think I've finally found the holy grail!  In fact, maybe I've found 2!  With the help of personal shopper Claudine Eaton Lewis at Saks this fall, I have found some favorite pants that I just had to share with you!

It was a normal day of shopping with Claudine - she pulled several things that I HAD to try on.  As I was following her to the dressing room, we walked through the small (but well-curated) Rag & Bone section of clothing.    She stopped, turned to me and asked if I had any Rag & Bone pants.  "No", I said.  She shook her head in disgust, grabbed two pairs, and off we went.

Honestly, I thought the last thing I needed were more black pants.  I have a ton.  Jeans, both long and short, tailored dress pants, waxed jeans, black leather pants even.  

But then I tried them on.  Holy cow were they good.  

Item #1 - The Simone Skinny Pant.  A legging-alternative with trouser seaming.  Higher rise than most pants (great for those of us with a higher rise!).  Zip in the back for a completely smooth front.  Stretch cotton material. Wear with heels, flats, tucked seamlessly into boots. Not a pant for tucking your top in; definitely for sweaters, blouses and tops that are meant to be worn untucked.  I swear, I have worn them at least 20 times. Maybe 30.  They are "flawlessly tailored, second-skin pants".   They also come in navy!

Image from saksfifthavenue.com.

Item #2:  The Sullivan Stretch Cotton Pant.  Has pockets and a front zip.  Definitely a trouser, into which you can tuck tops and shirts.   They really looked cropped on the model, but she's probably 6' tall and wearing a size 0.  For us normal people, they are perfect.

Image from saksfifthavenue.com.

Neither are cheap, but using sales like 'Friends and Family', you just might get lucky!  The cost-per-wear is low in my house.  And yes, I'm wearing the Sullivan pant as I type this right now. ~ JH

...it's Fall 2015: Fall Trends a la Saks

One of our barometers of fall seasonal trends, the Key to the Cure Fashion Show, is a fun and fashionable event that gets the creative juices going.  Saks Fifth Avenue partnered with the Friends of Dana-Farber to present the annual, nationwide "Key to the Cure" initiative to fight women's cancers.  In October this fall, we munched canapes and sipped champs while Saks' top stylists put together some covetable looks.

Jen and I always leave inspired with ideas for a new piece or two and pairings to bring new life to things already hanging in our closets. There are V-E-R-Y aspirational looks that I like to translate to my lifestyle and wardrobe.

I’ve been on the hunt for a WOW vest this season and this lovely by Nellie Partow fits the bill.  A vest is such a versatile piece that can be a warm enough layer for early fall and then layered under a wool coat as the temperature drops.  Put a vest over a column of black, wear with jeans, boots and a turtleneck or silk blouse for a casual look.  I like a vest over a long dress and boots.  The bell sleeved sweater pumps up the drama.   Said vest may or may not have come home with me. 

Image from Lisa Bida.

Try this faux version from Velvet by Graham and Spencer over, well, just about any outfit and you’ll feel like a million dollars.

Image from bloomingdales.com.

Ok this vest from Ellie Tahari is brilliant!  The bottom zips off for two completely different looks.  We all rushed over to try it on after the show and gave it a big thumbs up for versatility.

Images from Lisa Bida.

Images from elietahari.com.

Colored outerwear brings a much needed pop of color to the winter uniform, while the fur collar and lace blouse add textural interest.  

Image from Lisa Bida.

The J.Crew Stadium-cloth cocoon coat is available in a rainbow of colors so I can find one that works with my style.

Image from jcrew.com.

Worn together, this whimsical wildcat top and tiger scarf from Stella McCartney were pretty awesome.  Animal prints are still as hot as ever.  Why?  Because the pattern is so wearable and fun colors like this blue, transcend a basic black uniform.  

Image from Lisa Bida.

For a slightly less expensive version of the scarf, I’d go to this one from Echo.

Images from bloomingdales.com.

Next up…more fur, more layers and a little flounce. If I had to shop exclusively with Brunello Cucinelli, I would be a content and well-dressed woman.  Witness, this stunning fur hood sweater and layered pencil skirt with flounce.   Pretty freaking awesome.  Perfectly layerable and chic.  If you can find a cheap and cheerful version, please email me.    

Images from Lisa Bida.

Ruffles, flounces and pussy bow neck ties are back from the 70s this season.  I have to say I do love the flounce when paired with some structure like this double breasted blazer in a textured wool.   

Image from Lisa Bida.

Take the sweet out of this Kate Spade dress with an edgy bootie and leather jacket.  Bam!    

Image from shop.nordstrom.com.

That's the round-up!  It's still a mild fall, and you have plenty of time to put these looks to work for you! ~ LB