...it's Spring 2015: Fringe

A big trend this spring that I want to integrate into the repertoire is fringe.  The tassel has been big for a few seasons and now we've morphed to a full-on fringe binge.  From shoes to earrings, it's easy to add some swing to your look.  Here's some rules of thumb:

• Pick one.  Not two.  Stick to one key piece.
• Think of fringe like a pop of color.  It’s got great movement and will draw the eye to it so when you pick a piece, know it will get attention.  If you don’t like your feet, don’t get fringe sandals.
• No fringe dresses - too 1920s. A vest or jacket over a very neutral palette will work so much better.
• Get leather.  Faux fringe on a bag will not fall well and it will look cheap.  Keep it real.

Have fun with fringe! ~ LB

W2WW Fringe 

Kate Spade short sleeve top / Yves Saint Laurent brown suede vest / Étoile Isabel Marant slingback shoes / Jérôme Dreyfuss orange sandals / Stuart Weitzman heeled sandals / Office pull on shoes / Sara Battaglia white handbag / Marni white purse / Karen Millen leather fringe purse / Rebecca Minkoff leather fringe purse / Blue handbag / Zara fringe messenger bag / Isabel Marant beaded jewelry / J.Crew earrings / Panacea graduation jewelry

...it's Spring 2014: Chic sneaks

"In the history of fashion, around 1800 to 1840 or 1845, women had flat shoes.  Even with a ball gown, they had flat shoes." Who said this?  Chanel genius, Karl Lagerfeld, said it in a video interview posted on Chanel's website.  In his Spring 2014 Chanel Haute Couture runway show, the models were all sporting sneakers.

Blinged-out sneakers will not be replacing high heels in my repertoire; however, I do like a good sneaker.  Especially with my latest crush on fashionable activewear, my scale is tipping toward the comfort cool of the sneaker in everyday wear.

Image from nydailynews.com.

Image from vogue.com.

The pairing of skinnies and sneaks in NYC this fall was everywhere.  I adore the look below and the quirky pairing of high-end fur with hi-top shiny patent kicks.  So chic and comfy.  The preppy pink pant gets a little edge with a waxed jacket and old-school Adidas samba shoes.

Images from Lisa Bida.

The season between boots and flip flops, which in New England is going to be a long one this year, look to the sneaker to add some fun and comfort to the mix and to bridge the gap.

I'm gaga over Tory Burch's simple, white soled quilted uppers in basic navy or pale green.  The pairing with a dress feels easy and fresh.

Images from toryburch.com.

For classic kicks, think canvas.  I like Superga 2750 and Keds which are the 'it' brands of the moment.  Check out the different stylings with Supergas!

Image from zappos.com.

Images from pinterest.

Jennifer's a big fan of Tretorns.  J.Crew is carrying a huge selection of sneakers at great price points.

Image from jcrew.com.

When it comes to wardrobe, go with skinnies that messy tuck into hi-tops to create an elongated leg.  Cropped ankle pants are a good choice (and a great choice for Spring 2014).  If you aren't a skinny jean-kinda-gal, think a skirt or dress.  Take down a fussy dress to daywear.  Skirts are a natural - keep them right below or at the knee.  

W2WW Spring 2014 Kicks

Tory burch shoes / New balance shoes / Superga sneaker / Tory burch shoes / Joie sneaker, $215 / Joie sneaker / Zara flat shoes / Keds shoes, $50

If it's good enough for Karl, it's good enough for me. ~ LB

Don't we have enough sweaters?

The last thing I need is another sweater.  My drawer is full of them. Jen and I have pinky-sweared "NO MORE SWEATERS!" this season.  Problem is I fell HARD for Fisherman cable knits this fall.  

Images from habituallychic.blogspot.com.

The texture of a cable knit is the perfect partner for jeans, waxed or leather pants.  There are lots of style and color options out there in stores. But no pink cable for me.  Just the preppy, classic, gorgeous ivory color that goes with everything.   The search began in earnest.  Candidates must be:

• Not too heavy but heavy enough to be warm with just a cami under, scarf and jeans.  And ankle booties. Or riding boots.
• Not too bulky.
• Somewhat refined so I could wear it to work with trousers... 
• Yet cool enough to work with ponte leggings or waxed jeans 
• An interesting, classic cable pattern.
• Wool blend, not cotton.

My search turned up these...

525 America, Tusk cable sweater.  It's super cool and the loose turtle is a bit of a spin.

Image from cusp.com.

The Theory Innis Cable Knit sweater.  This is a gooood one. Sometimes I throw on a denim shirt underneath and Theory's sweater can handle that.

Image from cusp.com.

This Gap cable knit. Gap has great basics and they are doing their own version of cable knit.

Image from gap.com.

At Zara there is this short sleeve cable.  Short sleeve is a nice twist on the classic.

Image from zara.com.

Zara also has this ribbed cable.  It's cute, but it's short in length, so it might be belly-baring which no one, including me, wants to see out in public.

Image from zara.com.

Ahh.  The Vince cable turtleneck.  Very warm and cozy. 

Image from vince.com.

The Barbour Beckwith sweater.  Barbour is the classic.  I like the trim fit.

Image from madewell.

And the new addition to my sweater drawer? Which one made the cut?  This little lovely from Madewell.  Already sold out in store and on-line! 

Image from habituallychic.blogspot.com.

Clearly, I am not alone in my cable admiration.  Move over Eric Bompard, you have a new neighbor. ~ LB

Holiday 2012: Party Attire

We are all in that pre-Thanksgiving lull right now before it all heats up.  That's right ladies, the Holidays (with a capital H) are upon us, and now is the time to sort out what outfits you might need this holiday season.  Not in a panic on a Saturday in December, 3 hours before a party.  Now.  I had a shopping appointment yesterday at Nordstrom with the lovely personal shopper Amy Swartz;  she pulled a room full of outfits as well as some skinny black coated jeans I needed and nude shoes (STILL searching for perfect nude pumps).

Images from Jennifer Houston.

I settled on 2 outfits and I'm having a debate with myself about whether or not to share them here.  After all, I'll be running into some of you on the holiday scene and want my outfits to have some sense of new-ness!  So, instead of going straight to what I bought, let's talk instead about what's out there this year.

Gold (and all strains of metallic) is (are) huge this year. I saw a lot of items in gold or with gold details.  And sparkle!  I actually purchased an item that was made with a gold/bronze metallic fabric and a dress with gold threading through the material. This top from L'Agence at Nordstrom was darling, but I just couldn't pull it off.  Over a pair of crisp black pants, it would be heavenly.  Please, someone try it so I can admire it!

Image from nordstrom.com.

I peeked into Club Monaco on Lisa's suggestion and they had some lovely holiday items (she thinks they have a great holiday line right now, and I agree).  The Rebecca dress is really on trend, with it's 'pale orchid' color and lines of sequins down the front.  It looked really easy to wear. 

Image from shopbop.com.

And yes, I know, it looks really short.  But you never know, and it might be a great tunic look when paired over leggings and heels?!  I actually considered trying that today but was running late and didn't have time to try.

I picked up a champagne-colored silk tunic this fall and have worn it to dinner events over black, cropped pants and heels with a gold, pendant necklace.  It's a simple, easy outfit to wear.  Here's one by Vince that is similar.

Image from nordstrom.com.

Take the gold out of the top and into a skirt, this like jacquard skirt from Zara.  Highlight the skirt detail by neutralizing the rest of the outfit with with black pumps, black tights, and a black blouse. 

Image from zara.com.

Enough about the gold; you get the idea.  Other things I saw today were sequins, and lots of them.  Not bad-wedding-sequins.  I tried on a couple of things with complete sequin coverage, like the Annabell Sequin top from Tory Burch.  Very easy to wear and full of holiday fun!  I had brought a pair of my black dress pants and black heels with me today, slipped this on, and could have gone to any holiday function straight from there (see me below).  It also comes in this amazing aspen green (green is very hot - see below); the black bow coordinates immediately with your black pants and voila!  Outfit!

Images from toryburch.com.

And here I am in that top at Nordstrom. (With a lot of nude pumps lined up!)

Image by Jennifer Houston.

At a lower price-point, J.Crew has this darling polka-dot sequin top, again, another easy outfit.  Comes in black with white dots, and like this, winter white with black dots.

Image from jcrew.com.

For those who dare, there are more than a couple of full-on sequin dresses out there this year.  No accessories needed; just pumps!  Rachel Zoe has one (also short, but if you have the legs, rock it!) as does Diane Von Furstenberg with her Merano long-sleeved dress. 

Image from bloomingdales.com.

I am amazed at how many sequins there are out there this season.  Check out CUSP's 'The Party Shop' collection of festive attire, ranging from sequined bags and shoes to jackets - tons of sparkle. 

Another big find this afternoon was 'Green'!  Apsen, forest, pine, and all the shades in between. I was a sucker for these rag & bone jeans (like I need another pair of jeans) but they fit so well, I fell in love.

Image from nordstrom.com.

I digress.  For holidays, I saw lots of green in many forms.  First, this Gibson blazer at Nordstrom is great over a column of black.  Very sharp and fun!

Image from nordstrom.com.

Lace was the last 'big thing' I noticed today.  In tops, dresses and skirts, here are a couple of pieces that Amy showed me today.  The Joie Marelia Lace top was fun; I already have a lace t-shirt in my closet, so I didn't need to add another even though it fit really well.

Image from nordstrom.com.

This navy lace dress, the Zarita by Diane von Furstenberg, would be great for a corporate or work holiday party.

Image from nordstrom.com.

Finally, combining 2 trends in one item without being tacky, this Cynthia Steffe sleeveless belted lace dress is a great option if you are craving the green with your lace.

Image from nordstrom.com.

Hope you enjoyed the mini-review of my shopping trip today; feels like you accompanied me to my appointment!  Let us know what you are finding for your holiday looks out there in retail-land! ~ JH

Liquid Love

Fashion inspiration can come from the most unexpected of places.  This time, it was from my 10 year-old, t-shirt and yoga-pant-wearing daughter on her birthday trip with me to NYC and a walk past Uniqlo.  If you've never been in a Uniqlo, that will change over the next 3 years as the Japanese retailer makes a push on-line and into the 'burbs.  The store is super big and super fun, with cool basics arranged by color and a staircase that lights up when you walk on it.  She set her sights on the wall of down jackets, all liquid and glossy, in a virtual rainbow of color choices, like all of their offerings.

Image from backseatstylers.com.

The Uniqlo jacket is lightweight and warm, and folds up into it's own cute little sack to the size of a small loaf of brioche.  All for $69.90!  After seeing Grace wearing it in purple - and throwing it on once when I ran out to groceries -  I was disappointed that I didn't get one for myself.  (Note: Jen has one from last season, not quite as 'liquid' as this season's offerings.  And, she loves it!)

Image from uniqlo.com.

Well just a few days ago, Uniqlo opened its online store!  Two days later, my new black coat arrived, looking slick and warm,  perfect for fall days in New England.

Image from uniqlo.com.

I personally feel you don't need to look any farther than Uniqlo.  Heck, I got a navy one for my husband.  He travels down south quite a bit - he can be warm in Boston and then easily stow it when he arrives.  Here are some of my favorites this season:

It was Patagonia that started the trend a few years ago with it's down sweater.  The company has got a whole line in all lengths and weights now, but I like the cranberry and black in these two styles the best. 

Images from patagonia.com.

For a higher end look, Uniqlo did a special collab with sister company Comptoir des cotonniers.  Gorgeous paired with here with the green dress.  And, sold out completely.

Image from comptoirdescotonniers.com.

Burberry doesn't disappoint with this lovely puffer.  Can't you just see it with jeans or legging and boots for date night?

Image from bloomingdales.com.

Check out Zara's glossy puffer.

Image from zara.com.

Moncler can do no wrong and this stunner in oxblood (yes, I'm still obsessed) is city chic paired with black leggings and booties.  I could see transitioning it to jeans or a cute dress and still looking fabulous.

Image from barneys.com.

If you don't have a lightweight puffer in the closet for winter, you don't know what you're missing.  The glossy finish is fresh and breathes new life into this age old wardrobe staple. ~ LB

...it's Fall 2012: Peplum

Peplum is huge this fall.  What is peplum?  It's a short, flared or gathered piece of material attached to a garment of clothing at a woman's waist.  Every catalogue this season has a piece or 2 and the mannequins in stores are wearing it.  It's on tops, dresses, skirt waists and sweaters.  I have to admit, it's taken me a little bit to be convinced of this look.  I have hips, and therefore thought that peplum would make my hips even bigger than they are.  Not a good look; my hips are big enough without extra fabric floating around them.

But, a little top from W by Worth has made me change my mind and I want everyone to try out a little peplum!  This is the top in question (mine is black though, not brown):

Image from pinterest.com.

It's ponte knit with a lace overlay and zipper up the back.  I have to say, it changed my mind completely!   The peplum didn't exaggerate my hips as I thought it would and actually defined my waist nicely.

So, the question was, do I get this or another piece?  In all honesty, I think everyone should start with ONE key peplum piece this fall.  Just one.  See how you like it before diving into the deep end of the peplum pool.  Then the question is, do you go with something dressy or more casual, everyday.

Because I needed a dinner kind of outfit for a family event, this top worked for me.  I will be paring it with a black pencil skirt (also with lace overlay) and some grey suede heels.  Since it also looks great over pants, I hope use it several times this fall and winter.  

If you think you want your peplum to be dressy, look for it in silk tops, skirts or dresses.  I love the detail on this flower print, peplum top from Zara, and can see this too over a pencil skirt, or as they show it, with pants.  And, at $59.90, it's a nice way to try out the trend without breaking the bank.

Image from zara.com.

When I've seen peplum on dresses, they have usually been solid color garments with the peplum breaking up the column of color.  This Sandro dress is great and I could see it easily on a brunette with an oxblood pump accessorized with gold jewelry.

Image from net-a-porter.com.

If you want a little less of a ruffle, check out this dress from Tibi.  The peplum is stitched down and more subtle.  I love the cobalt blue!

Image from nordstrom.com.

Lisa scored this top at the Nordstrom anniversary sale, capturing 2 fall trends in one:  leather and peplum.  By Halogen, this top has a leather front, jersey back, and we can see it over jeans as well as a bright pencil skirt.

Image from nordstrom.com.

For 'everyday' peplum, there are some fun choices out there.  Tory Burch is showing this peplum sweater and, cleverly, features a couple of ways to wear it.  

Images from toryburch.com.

I love how she showed it both with a skirt and with pants.  And if camel isn't your color, it also comes in black and red.  LOVE.

For a budget-friendly option, this casual top by Bobeau is on sale right now at Nordstrom for $37.70.  Cute over dark jeans, pants, and in an oxblood color!

Image from nordstrom.com.

I am REALLY digging this next top for everyday wear! Am I going to break my start-with-one-piece-of-peplum rule?!  By Rebecca Taylor, this top is so easy over skinny black or denim pants with ballet flats!  Says 'hip mommy' to me.

Image from bloomingdales.com.

Finally, one last piece.  A fantasy piece.  Because at $2990, it's never coming home.  As much as I want it to.  Ridiculously fabulous.  The Row's Loxton jacket.  So simple, over a long-sleeve white t-shirt and skinny jeans with pumps.  That jacket stands all on it's own.  I need a moment.

Image from barneys.com.

And with that, I'll put this post (and myself) to bed.  Let us know what peplum piece you love! ~ JH