Who doesn't pick their nail polish based on the name? Of course, when it comes to mani/pedi's every girl goes into the salon with an idea of the color, but what makes you decide on which version of red you'll ultimately select is ALWAYS the name. So, not only do I love my winter color, but I LOVE the name. OPI's, Suzy Skis in the Pyrenees is my go to color for November - February. It feels a little dark for the warmer months, so I've been in withdrawal lately. With my nails all lacquered up, I feel like suddenly jet-setting is a possibility, and I better have my apres ski boots ready! Just getting back from my mani/pedi, and I literally can't stop looking at my nails. Cloud 9. (Which I'm sure, somewhere out there, is also a name for a nail polish color, but for now it's just my state of mind.)
Sweaters are a cold weather essential, but boosting your sweater assortment can be costly. Sweaters are (usually) higher quality than your basic tee, and more work and expensive fabrics go into making them. Hence the hefty price tag. So, what to do when the temperatures drop? Here's a laundry list of options for you to break into, without breaking the bank. Take a cue from the oh-so-chic Lauren Conrad. Her asymmetrical, open front cardy, in a neutral green is a great transitional piece. As the fall progresses into winter, you'll need something with a little more coverage like a shawl collar or tweedy knit. My suggestion: embrace the chic and comfy nature of sweater dressing. Whether paired with leather leggings, or boyfriend jeans, a great sweater can totally elevate your look.
Winter is around the corner! I'm not one for cold weather, but living in NYC it's par for the course. Over the years I've curated a very edited closet filled with winter essentials. In fact, part of the reason I've neglected the blog for a bit, is because I've been closet editing! Changing from warm weather seasons to cold is a challenge. Not only do you have to carefully pack away all your warmer clothes for storage, but I also take this time to assess what I had that was unnecessary and put it into a "sell it pile" or "donate it pile." Then as I unpack my cold weather essentials, I take a closer look at those as well, determining whether or not I still think they make the cut. No sense making room for something that won't get worn. I recommend you do the same, or shoot me an email and I'll do it for you!
For winter, I would every closet needs the following:
Sweaters - sweaters galore. I like classic, fitted shapes like a v-neck, crewneck or turtleneck for a timeless silhouette that can be dressed up or down. I also love sweater jackets. They lend the same polish as a structured jacket, but are so much more comfortable! Slouchy open shaped cardigans are really popular right now, and I'm completely on board because they take cozy chic to a whole new level.
Corduroys - It took a while for this old school basic to grow on me, but now I can't imagine life without them. I love them in a vintage-esque color like this one. An added bonus - it goes with everything from ivory to black.
Boots - A great pair of riding boots can take you all throughout the season. My favorite is a dark tan because they go with every color, but tried and true black is a great go to.
Wool Coat - think classic 1950's. Every girl should have one. Black is not only polished, but the best at hiding dirt. Major bonus, because dry cleaning these is an expensive endeavor. Accessorize it with lighter accessories. I am loving See by Chloe's Faux-Fur Cossack Hat. Black leather gloves with silk or cashmere lining will last a lifetime. As much as the Ivory color spectrum, I'm a major black glove proponent.
A Neutral Handbag - Last season I bought a suede faux python satchel in Olive Green. I will use it every year because I love that it adds a subtle touch of color to my otherwise dark winter wardrobe. When I chose to sport the winter whites look, it paired just as well. It's the perfect neutral. I also find that I need a smaller bag in the winter than I do in the summer. Boil it down to less running around, and less shoe changes (because, let's face it, no handbag is big enough to tote your Sorrel Boots and even if it was no handbag should be subjected to that).
I think my little game of Mad Men catch up is getting to me. As soon as Kate Hudson uttered, "It's vintage, New York City... $35!" about her amazing white fur jacket, I couldn't get it out of my mind. A few more episodes of Mad Men later, and I found myself at my favorite West Village vintage shop, Star Struck Vintage Clothing. I got side tracked by the gorgeous gold pendants and baubles near the window, but after 20 minutes of trying on jewelry (and ultimately landing on one must-have gold plated bauble) I wandered back to their fur section. Almost immediately I spotted it. A beautiful white rabbit fur jacket. It's a little worn, but it was $45. Typically, I'm anti-fur, but I make an exception for Mongolian Lamb and Rabbit furs, because we eat their meat, so using their fur is simply using every bit of the animal.
For the completely ethical fashionista, faux fur is becoming more and more high quality. It's gone beyond the world of Wet Seal and H&M and into high fashion doors. In fact, one of my favorite designers, Adam Lippes, has put a heavy focus on finding luxe faux furs for his contemporary-meets-American-Sportswear colleciton. Last year I picked up a faux chinchilla vest that is to die for. With fur making a major statement on the Fall 2009 and 2010 runways, this trend isn't going away soon. Pick up a vest or scarf to get your feet wet, and embrace the warmth!
Check out celebs spotted in fur and faux fur for chic styling ideas.
Love her, hate her, or have no clue who she is, one thing is for sure. Olivia Palermo has great style. MTV's The City, brought her on as the token mean girl who torments Californian, and token naive girl, Whitney Port. After a stint at DVF, Palermo went on to Elle where she abuses her boss and does whatever she can to stunt the growth of Port's emerging clothing line, Whitney Eve. Her snarky comments and inability to work well with others (unless they're Joe Zee, or someone else of equal stature) has not exactly made her America's Sweetheart. Clearly, it's not the intense "story line," that's keeping viewing rates high. I would argue that it's the clothes - and I'm not that far-fetched.
Palermo flips back and forth between boho-chic and edgy urbanite, but her signature style has a few common threads. Whether layering a bunch of pieces into one cohesive look, or just wearing one signature piece, she always looks perfectly polished and her outfits are seriously statement making. Achieving her look is easy, and thanks to thrifty designers like 213 Industry and MK2K, it can even be budget friendly.
The Clog is the shoe style of the moment. You've seen this throwback shoe everywhere from city streets to red carpet events. Work them into your style rotation by mixing them with jeans, ankle length menswear-inspired pants, or shorts. Here, Jessica Szohr shows uncharacteristically good taste in studded Stuart Weitzman clogs while on the set of Gossip Girl.
What do I love about them? They elevate a slouchy tank and jean shorts, and add a boho edge to super skinnies and a feminine blouse. Simply put, these simple shoes can be a wardrobe workhorse. As an added bonus, their chunky heel and cushy platform are guaranteed to make your feet happy.
For the flirty romantic, the edgy chicster, or the simple sophisticate, this shoe staple can cross over to just about any style aesthetic. As if this season's shoe staple wasn't democratic enough, their are offerings for every budget. Whether you're the type of shopper who doesn't think twice about a price tag, or a paycheck to paycheck penny pincher kind of gal, you have options.
I'm non-discriminating in my bootie addiction, so here's how I wear them:
Feminine and Flirty - Take a colorful, or rose embellished bootie to a sultry level with a pair of super skinny jeans, and silky tank, and a fitted blazer.
Edgy Chic - Ground a tough boot with a black mini skirt for the ultimate effect. The buckles of the booties, and the minimalism of a mini skirt or dress, will be in perfect harmony. Streamlined silhouettes are crucial.
Simple and Sophisticated - Booties are utterly trendy, but that element can be played down. A simple pair in a neutral color can look like a basic pump or boot under wide leg pants or bootcut jeans. Once you've become one with the look you can start experimenting. Start small, and try wearing them over scrunched up skinnies.
Put your chicest foot forward this fall, and make sure it's encased in one of these cool finds. BONUS! This look has wear-now appeal. Try it sans tights, with a summery mini-dress or skirt for a fashion forward, year round option.
