houndstooth
Friday, August 24
Whizzing down Fifth Avenue in a taxi the other day, I was reminded that houndstooth may be this fall's alternative to stripes: the graphic print appeared in virtually every store window, and it's versatile. Try this easy sweatshirt with...
1. J. Crew houndstooth sweatshirt, $65, jcrew.com
2. Bauble Bar pave stud earrings, $26, baublebar.com
3. Topshop quilted chain clutch, $96, topshop.com
4. Edmundo Castillo silver pumps, $795, shopbop.com
5. Balmain motocross jeans, $1252, netaporter.com
painted bird shoes
Thursday, August 23
I was in Montauk last week and was once again amazed by its continued march toward total California-zation. In addition to the crazy surf fever, the fashion was quintessentially Southern California-beachy: Vans sneakers, board shorts, see-through crochet dresses, and Mexican hooded ponchos were everywhere. I'm thinking these new Painted Bird crochet shoes, straight from Laguna Beach, will fit into the scene perfectly. They're artisan crafted, vibrantly hued, and Cali-comfortable. And they just so happen to dovetail with all crochet stitched bags and sandals that were on the spring runways at Dolce & Gabbana and Tory Burch. Check out the various styles here.
leather peplum top
Thursday, August 23
The peplum top is still going strong for fall, but in leather the silhouette looks especially fresh. This one is rendered in faux leather and costs a lot less than the real McCoy. Wear it now with a slim-fitting pencil skirt or a pair of tailored trousers, or later in the year with more layers, like this:
1. Oasis peplum top, $74, oasis.andotherbrands.com
2. Topshop faux fur bomber jacket, $500, topshop.com
3. J. Crew shoulder bag, $238, jcrew.com
4. J. Crew heels, $248, jcrew.com
5. Theory cropped stretch wool pants, $245, netaporter.com
big burgundy
Wednesday, August 22
This fall, oxblood will be flowing, and I'm planning to sport the season's trendiest hue head to toe for a look that's completely fresh and polished. Consider this leather Madewell skirt and this J. Crew cable knit turtleneck to pull it off yourself.
Photo: 9 to 5 Chic
fall flowers
Wednesday, August 22
Is it just me or is anyone else feeling back to school anxiety? I remember how I used to fret about what I'd wear on the first day. Whatever it was, it had to be new and indicative of the season to come. Nowadays it's more about back to the office, of course. Post-summer, the goal is to look refreshed and up to date. This floral skirt would make the cut. It's vividly hued with lush brocade--appropriate for the office and dinner afterward. Deep into autumn, I'd wear it with...
1. River Island metallic sweater, $55, riverisland.com
2. Katie Diamond black garnet studs, $150, catbirdnyc.com
3. Marc Jacobs quilted leather shoulder bag, $795, netaporter.com
4. Aquazzura cut-out pumps, $495, shopbop.com
5. J. Crew floral brocade pencil skirt, $168, jcrew.com
fall checklist
Tuesday, August 21
With summer quickly winding down, I am really starting to assemble my fall wardrobe. Typically, I make a checklist of the season's top must-haves. This year, my list includes: a statement sweater (or two or three!), a low-heeled boot, leather pants (which I already acquired from H&M in both black and oxblood), a boxy, oversized motorcycle jacket (a la Proenza), a sleek coat (check, with some leopard trim, no less!), a fashion week and beyond-worthy choker necklace, a layer-under-everything lightweight turtleneck, feminine black loafers, and something furry. Every week from here on out, I will round up my favorites in each of these categories and share them with you (as I've been asked by many of you to do). I begin with the statement sweater--the chicest way to keep warm this winter.
a whole lot of everything
Tuesday, August 21
$68, warehouse.andotherbrands.com
This top has it all going on: the right-now leopard print, the glistening neckline embellishment, and the boyish boxy shape. I'd wear it with...
1. Warehouse beaded leopard print top, $68, warehouse.andotherbrands.com
2. Stella McCartney round sunglasses, $225, shopbop.com
3. Clare Vivier striped clutch, $173, shopbop.com
4. Betsey Johnson green snakeskin flats, $109, piperlime.com
5. J. Crew white jeans, $98, jcrew.com
the trumpet skirt
Monday, August 20
Fashion editor, model, and muse Vanessa Traina, recently photographed in Paris, demonstrates how trumpet skirts trump all in the flirtiness department. Trumpet skirts are fitted through the hips and thighs and flare at the hem, and the flowy, ultra feminine lines are flattering on everyone. On Vanessa (whose equally poised sister Samantha, a stylist, was my intern many moons ago), the trumpet skirt effectively offsets her mannish, oversized jacket. These skirts made a big showing on the runways, from Prabal Garung to Proenza Schouler, and now they're out in full force, demure enough for work (i.e., a fresh alternative to a pencil skirt) yet gorgeous for evening. Check out a few of my favorites from Zara, Asos, Stella McCartney and Altuzarra.
Photo: Jak and Jil
all about saffron
Monday, August 20
Spicing up your fall wardrobe can be as easy as throwing on this dress. Saffron is one of fall's "it" colors and the 3-D embellishment is so lavish and rich. But there's even more to love about this dress: you can also wear it as a blouse, by simply tucking it into your pants or skirt (you already know I am fan of doing this). For a work-worthy look, layer a black turtleneck underneath and throw on some black tights. I'd wear it with...
1. French Connection beaded dress, $298, asos.com
2. Topshop knit coat, $170, topshop.com
3. Accessorize tasseled leather clutch, $23, accessorize.com
4. Elizabeth & James suede booties, $375, shopbop.com
danielle nicole
Friday, August 17
I was recently featured on bag designer Danielle Nicole's blog, and I love the way it came out, because it includes all my current favorite things and inspirations. The New York-based bag label specializes in on-trend leather bags, including the Julia tote (below), at super reasonable prices. Below is an excerpt. To read the whole feature, click here.
