Inspiration for autumn ensembles comes via many a runway, but Balmain (by way of Christophe Decarnin) is still one of my favorites--as it has been for the past several seasons now--to emulate.
The coolest thing about boots is that they pair well with anything--jeans, skirts, dresses--and for any occassion whether work or play. Ankle cuffs, buckles, peep toes and contrasting leather/suede textures move them far way from granny-ish to modern boots that I love, love, love.
As open as I am to trying new trends, many times I let them fade out without a thought to try them--kitten heels are not me. But, right on time for the upcoming fall/winter season is a trend I'm looking forward to incorporating with my personal style: shearling accents. Whether triming a collar or lining an ankle boot this is one trend that will keep me cozy and chic.
Just as the consistently cool, overcast days had me gearing up for autumn, Mother Nature went and flipped the script. Now I'm waking up to the brightly shining sun, warmer temperatures and clear blue skies which has me feeling a little frisky. And what better way to portray my mood than with a bold black and white striped body-con dress and a pair of leopard print peep toe platforms with a pop of red?
There are days--like today--when comfort overrules all else. My closet looks like a tornado just ran through it because no matter what I tried on this morning, it just didn't feel or look right. I didn't feel like jeggings, or wide leg linen pants or even a maxi dress. The only thing that felt right when I slid it on was an off shoulder sweatshirt dress. Lightweight and extremely soft I feel both comfortable and chic.
As we continue our progression toward the autumn season, I’ve been compiling a list—a wishlist of sorts—of the items I want to add to my wardrobe. It was becoming pretty lengthy so I decided to edit it and noticed an unexpected color trend: the color purple. While it’s not usually a hue I reach for first, when it comes in a leather and cotton blend crinkle leather jacket or thigh high suede platform boots with lace detailing, or, dark gray-violet nail lacquer that is subtle yet shimmers—how can I not have a color crush?
...According to:
Chloé, is entirely addictive with top notes of pink peony, freesia, and lychee that embody subtle freshness.
Dior, has notes of sweet orange essence, jasmine, rose and patchouli—reminiscent of a garden full of flowers.
Balenciaga, leaves a lasting trail of demure violet with airy blossom and delicate peppery notes.
YSL, is an ultra sensual grand floral with a woody structure and notes of blackberry, Damask rose and sandalwood.
I’ve been wearing Donna Karan’s Cashmere Mist (a sheer scent of Moroccan jasmine, lily of the valley and bergamont with warm undertones of sandalwood, amber and musk) for several years now and have been pondering adding the scent of Paris to my collection; only I haven’t been able to settle on one—though Chloé is currently at the top of my list. If you wear any of these fragrances please share your thoughts.
Easy pieces are a staple in my wardrobe. I love items that are stylish as much as they are comfortable, for example, this white racer back cotton-jersey tank dress from James Perse. Very simple yet chic with its double layering, ribbon halter straps and scoop neck--perfect for showing off statement necklaces like RACHEL Rachel Roy's antique gold necklace with spike detail. Ideal for layering or on its own, by day I'll wear it with a pair of cargo skinnies, draped moto vest and platforms. For night I'll top it with a ruched sleeve blazer, add bold obsessories and slide on these amazing chain detailed peep toe boots.
I'm always on the lookout for new, a little quirky, definitely distinctive obsessories. Window Shopping at Net-A-Porter proved rewarding as their What's New list held four items that unquestionably qualify. While I'll admit when I first saw YSL's arty clip earrings I thought, "crumpled paper bag", but nonetheless, I was intriqued. Add an oversized jewelry box in sleek faux-leather or soft faux-suede, nubuck lace-ups in a cool dark green and a suede and bead multi-layered necklace for my list of obsessories du jour.
There has been more than one occasion when I’ve had to make an unexpected shoe modification to my ensemble. There was the time the party moved the from beach house to the actual beach, and the several incidents, while running errands, when a crack in the pavement has decided to try and wrestle my heel from its sole. As much as I hate to admit it, there are times when a flat sandal overrules the high-heeled option. Luckily, that does not mean my look has to suffer. I can stylishly go from highs to lows without having to change the overall mood of my look with Giuseppe Zanotti’s coordinated designs.
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