September Dressing

September is all about transitional dressing. Your favorite embroidered blouse with jeans instead of shorts. That floral dress you've been wearing all summer with boots and a denim jacket. What I love about the below dress from British brand Glamorous is how right it feels for right now. It's a solid color, in of-the-moment dusty chambray blue, and has a Little House on the Prairie vibe. I'm wearing mine with a western boot, this fringed sweater and my favorite hat. 

Glamorous "Vida Bonita" Maxi dress- $14.50-$58 (was $62) 

Warm Up

Winter weather is (eventually???) upon us. And nothing makes the cooler temps a little more palatable than a beautiful coat. While there's nothing wrong with a zipped-to-here puffer when it's ten below and sleeting down your collar, the rest of the time a good statement coat can make any outfit look like a million bucks. 

These lovelies will not only make your Saturday morning Trader Joe's uniform (jeans, sneakers, no-bra) look chic, but won't make you feel guilty because really you should be shopping for someone else. 

Helene Berman wool-blend coat- $85 (was $290)

French Connection cocoon faux shearling coat- $79 (was $275)

Helene Berman plaid wrap coat- $80 (was $240)

Kenneth Cole wool SB coat- $97 (was $325)

BBDakota "Hazel" coat- $60 (was $128)

Daily Deal feat. Move by Alternative Apparel

I don't do yoga, but Alternative Apparel's Move collection makes me want to. The L.A. based company started out doing basic t-shirts and sweatshirts in soft organic cotton. They have since evolved into fashionable ready-to-wear knit and wovens in their signature vintage inspired fabrications. A few years ago they launched "Move," a collection of comfortable, easy to move in pieces that look just as great at the yoga studio as they do at Trader Joe's.

I don't think this collection is as performance driven as I would need it to be to actually work out in, but I would love to add these pieces to my errand running wardrobe, especially come spring time.

Alternative Apparel "Stretch It Out" Bra- $14 (was $42)

Alternative Apparel "Keep It Simple" Bra- $14 (was $42)

Alternative Apparel "Let's Dance" top- $14 (was $42)

Alternative Apparel "Chin Up" pants- $28 (was $82)

Alternative Apparel "Santa Cruz" jumpsuit- $29 (was $84)

 

XO

Summer Dreaming

Dreaming of easy, breezy vacation-ready pieces on this slushy morning. Anything with embroidery, tassels, and crochet makes it in my carry-on. Vacation season is still 4 months away, but now's the time to scoop up those perfect pieces you'll be SO thankful you picked up at 80% off in January. Amazon has amazing pieces from some of my favorite warm weather designers; Candela, French Connection, Tracy Reese, Heartloom, Dolce Vita, BCBG .. I could keep going!

See my picks below and think warm thoughts!

Heartloom "Pine" dress- $45 (was $152)

Dolce Vita embroidered dress- $65 (was $220)

French Connection "Summer Lily" dress; $74 (was $248)

Candela "Margot" dress- $59 (was $295)

BCBG "Susie" dress- $66 (was $298)

Tracy Reese "Boutie" dress- $56 (was $268)

 

XO

Fall Wardrobe Essentials; Day 10

Whew! It only took over a month, but we're finally at the last day of our fall wardrobe essentials! Today is all about the anchor of all of the looks we've been talking about, and probably the biggest denim trend over the last year, relaxed denim.

From mom jeans to boyfriend jeans to high waists and dropped crotches, "relaxed jeans" run the gamut. If you're new to this trend, I suggest keeping the wash clean and on the dark side and adding a heel to balance out the extra volume. For those of you who've been on this trend for the last few years, have fun with destruction, exaggerated proportions and color.

xo

Daily Deal

Before I'm off for one last beach weekend, I wanted to share these 2 great (and way marked down!) coats. First up from McGinn is a feminine take on a military inspired coat. Great detailing, a flared fit, and what might be the perfect shade of green make this one a must have! All that and it's only $100!

This wool-blend moto coat from Sam Edelman with faux leather and shearling trim has such a high-end look to it. If I didn't know any better I might think it's Helmut Lang or A.L.C. This is definitely one for the downtown girl!

xo

Fall Wardrobe Essentials; Day 5

Nothing says fall like a good ol' crunching-leaves-through-the-park cozy sweater. I can just picture all of the outfits I'll make in the upcoming months; an oversized sweater with leather leggings, a cropped sweater with a floaty skirt, a cable knit sweater with destroyed boyfriend jeans .. And any of these outfits paired with boots from yesterday's post is basically the perfect fall look. In sweaters I always gravitate towards novelty stitches, an interesting shape (asymmetric hem, high-low hem, oversized, etc) and a marled texture. I think all of these things add up to an expensive looking sweater. Which, of course, you didn't pay full price for.

xo

Fall Wardrobe Essentials; Day 4

The ankle boot is probably the most versatile of shoes. They pair equally well with a rolled skinny jean or a flirty dress. They can even help transition summer pieces into early fall. Shorts or a summery maxi dress suddenly seem September-worthy with the right ankle boot. The ankle boot is also universally flattering. The ankle shaft height is key; it doesn't visually cut off the leg. In a caramel shade ankle boots can even be leg-lengthening!

From moto to chelsea, here are some of my faves!

xo

Beach Bound

Are you guys going away for Labor Day weekend? I'm not. But you can bet I'll head to one of our local beaches pretending I'm somewhere fabulous. Some people are perfectly content to wear cutoffs and a t-shirt over their bikinis, but I much prefer a glamorous kaftan or tunic (even if I look a little ridiculous on the subway). 

Below are cover-up picks from some top-notch swim designers from around the world. And from Amazon, you know you still have plenty of time to order and get them in time for the holiday. 

Daily Deal

We can argue about whether printed bottoms are in or out today, but I think a classic pattern like cheetah in a skinny silhouette is always in. I love these dressed down with a graphic tee and leather jacket or dressed up with a silk blouse and heels. 

And for $22 you can afford to wear them as little or as much as you want. 

Thank you, Amazon! 

The Blazer Alternative

Let's face it, blazers can be really boring. More often than not, the only variation is color (black or grey?) or the number of buttons (single button or two?). Blazer alternatives, ranging from moto to bomber styles, let you add some personality to your otherwise lackluster work wardrobe. They also do double duty, pairing easily with denim or layered over a cute dress for the weekend. Look for special fabrics like lace, boucle, or colorful tweeds. Leather details and color or fabric blocking keep the look edgy. 

My picks are all that and more- and a few of them are up to 80% off. Again, all thanks to Amazon! 

links from left to right: white lace, indigo, grey lace, black lace, metallic texture, olive jacket, PJK moto, leather sleeve

Easy Rider

The motorcycle trend, whether it's in graphics, jackets, or pant details, is a trend that just won't die. At least 5 fall seasons have gone by and the moto pant continues to be a top style in bottoms. You can go all out with seaming and quilting details or keep it simple with a leather-like coating and exposed zippers. Either way, this trend allows you to inject a little badass into your every day wardrobe. 

Again, Amazon comes through with some major steals. 

links clockwise from top left: DL 1961, AG, Habitual, Big Star, Habitual jean, Habitual coated