...it's Fall 2012: Oxblood

"We’re suckers for the dark red everyone seems to be calling “oxblood,” even if that also sounds like something GOOP would tell us to drink as part of a spirit cleanse."  The Cut, NY Magazine.

Image from nymag.com.

Better known as maroon or burgundy in the 80s and 90s, oxblood is a color we haven't seen much of until now, but it's a major look for fall.  And if you follow me on Pinterest, you know that it is the color that is dominating my fall fashion wall. This deeply-saturated wine color is flattering to almost any skin tone and mixes well with almost any other color, making it closet-worthy for fall.   From head to toe, it can be a simple accent or a major anchor in your oufit.  Count me in.

The love affair started in the spring with this chiffon backed leather tee that I picked up at Topshop.

Image from topshop.com.

Since then, I see the world through oxblood-color glasses and am finding inspiration in the most unlikely places.  A trip to Brooklyn last weekend yielded not only a decadent gelato at Jacques Torres in DUMBO, but this divine scooter sitting out front. 

Image from mrchocolate.com.

Images from Lisa Bida.

White leather, shiny chrome, black trim and glossy oxblood paint. Voila!  A new look for yourself...or your front entrance.

Image from elementsofstyleblog.com.

Image from colourlovers.com.

Image from victorianvaluesconstruction.co.uk.

Or try my new fave color with 50 shades of gray and if you're in the mood, a touch of black.  

Image from jcrew.com.

Image from colourlovers.com.

Image from neimanmarcus.com.

Tory Burch pulls it all together with the navy ensemble.  Play with other colors in the purple, navy, fushia family that are already in your closet to updates your wardrobe for fall.  

Image from toryburch.com.

Image from colourlovers.com.

Image from colorlovers.com.

My daughter just got these totally cool kicks from hometown favorite New Balance.  The pairing of cool turquoise and deep red is fresh and right on trend.

Image from newbalance.com.

Image from colourlovers.com.

I L.o.v.e. with a capital L this bracelet from Rocklove jewelry. 

Image from rocklove.com.

This purse from Tory Burch is killer! Can you just see it dressed up with a black outfit or cooled down with denim?

Image from toryburch.com.

For the dabblers,  try just a touch of this magical color on your nails.

Image from pinterest.com.

Lastly, booties, which Jen reported on in a recent post, are my obsession right now.  I love these two from Urban Outfitters and will be adding a pair to wear with my outfits this fall.  The bit of burnished suede we're seeing this season is just the beginning of what will be a key trend in fall 2013/14.

Image from urbanoutfitters.com.

Image from urbanoutfitters.com.

These little beauties from Vince can be folded over just slightly.  

Image from nordstrom.com.

Kick it old school with these nerdy cool loafers from Bass.  Roll up your jeans, throw on a blazer and you're good to go to a meeting or pick up the kids.

Image from zappos.com.

Email us or leave a comment with your favorite finds in oxblood! ~ LB

W2WW News Flash - Topshop comes to Nordstrom.

The British are coming!  On September 10th, Nordstrom will be selling the Topshop apparel.  (Topshop is a British retailer that has 3 stores in the U.S. in New York City, Las Vegas, and Chicago.)

Image from nordstrom.com.

Unfortunately for the W2WW girls, it will not be in our local Boston-area Nordstroms. (see what stores will carry the line in-store by clicking here), but it will be available online.  Looking forward to perusing what they might feature.  Until then, we'll settle for looking at the Autumn 2012 Topshop Campaign film; some of those jackets look great.  Mark your calendars and enjoy! ~ JH

Video from nordstrom.com.

...you want free shipping.

Image from asos.com.

Our informal poll of fabulous lady shoppers at a recent softball game brought home the fact that no one likes to pay for shipping.  So much so that we will purchase elsewhere rather than fork over for shipping.  You've been there, haven't you?  You carefully fill your cart and complete your shipping information only to find a $15 dollar shipping fee, and no in-store return.  Frustrating!  Here are some of our favorite places to shop online and ways to get around paying good money for shipping:

J.Crew - Forget free shipping with a $150 purchase or trekking in to use the instore red phone!  Call J.Crew at 1-800-562-0258 and make a friend with the Customer Service professionals.   My Customer Service friend, Kevin, and I have been together  for a little over two years now.  He can help me with anything I need – tracking down hard-to-find items, tips on size and styling, putting outfits together, sneak peeks at upcoming collections, you name it. Just about everything shy of balancing my checkbook and watering my plants.   It's all about service and Kevin takes care of me in spades, plus free shipping.  All the time.

Net-a-Porter - For the latest designer women's clothing, shoes, jewelry and much more from over 350 of the world's leading designers.  Free shipping all the time.  (And, as an aside, they have complimentary gift wrap too.)

Image from net-a-porter.com.

Amazon - Feep your eyes on this powerhouse as the company finally recognizes the opportunity and refocuses to fashion.  Amazon PRIME gets you free shipping. 

Asos - Over 850 fashion labels, and offering free shipping, both ways.  Everyday.

Under the heading of obvious:  Nordstrom, L.L.Bean, Zappos, Gap family (Piperlime, free shipping all the time, Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic, free shipping on orders over $50), Neiman Marcus (usually with a code, but NOT Bloomingdales or Saks), and Kate Spade.  

I got a fabulous leather t-shirt (which you'll see more of this fall) from Topshop.  And it came with....free shipping (on orders over $100).

ShopBop has one of the best selections of Diane von Furstenberg I've seen, and has a  limited edition collaboration with Current Elliott.   They feature familiar brands like Rachel Zoe and more obscure, coveted ones like Soludos.

If you're like Jen, in the eternal search for T-shirts, try StyleMint from Mary Kate and Ashley. You complete a fun profile and then voila! The Olsen sissies put together a ensemble of tees to choose from. All $29.99 and shipped free.

For men, Bonobos is at the top of my list.  Featured in the NY Times, Bonobos was started to solve a simple problem: men’s pants just don’t fit well. They’re either too tight to be comfortable or too baggy to look good. But, by innovating in a few key areas, they’ve developed a fit that they say actually looks and feels great for a wide variety of men.  They have sweaters, jackets, accessories, golf, swim, outerwear and boast "Fast and Free shipping.  Insanely easy returns."  Keep talking 'cause I like what you're sayin'.

What are your favorite shopping sites that offer free shipping? ~ LB