finally found my grey boots

Enzo Angiolini Zakari Over the Knee Boot in Dark Grey Suede $119.90 (reg. $189.95)

I had a vision in my head about grey flat boots for the last year, but I didn't want to spend too much money (grey boots seem a little trendy) and I definitely didn't want heels. I found a lot of options, but just never found exactly what I was looking for...

I'm excited to share that I finally found my perfect grey suede flat boots! These are grey, flat, soft, comfortable, pull-on (I don't like zip-up for casual boots), and versatile...oh and totally affordable on sale for $119. I also had over-the-knee boots on my list, so that feature was just an added bonus! If you don't like over-the-knee, the tops can easily be folded over and scrunched to be worn at any height.

Related articles...

• grey suede boots
• new trends for fall and winter fashion 2009
  

designer shoes on sale at net-a-porter

{christian louboutin circus 120 cutout booties}

Would you like to drool over some gorgeous designer shoes?

Designer online retailer Net-A-Porter has marked down most of their Fall shoes to 50% off. Don't get too excited...the Christian Louboutin ankle booties are still almost $800 and most other prices are similar. But for some reason it sounds like a good deal when this pair of beautifulness used to be $1295....right?

Similar to my obsession for my rocker booties this summer, I love all of the innovative ankle and short booties this Fall with foldovers, cutouts, open toes, and straps. Take a little walk through my favorite designer picks from the season that are now the slightest bit more affordable...

{balmain crystal animal print boots}

{bottega veneta cutout leather boots}

{givenchy fanta denim lace-up boots}

{christian louboutin charme 100 ankle boots}

Related articles...

• new trends for fall and winter fashion 2009
• still searching for my perfect rocker bootie
• spring shoe trend rocker bootie
  

velvet for fall

{wwwdaily trend report: velvet}

The only trend that I picked on my new trends for fall and winter fashion 2009 that I was a little unsure about was velvet. I actually had some readers of my blog say "Velvet!? That is so random! Why would you think that!?"

But what have we here? Who What Wear Daily is reporting that stars and models are wearing soft luxurious velvet! The trick with velvet is not to go overboard...we're not talking about floor-length long-sleeve goth dresses, we're talking about a richly colored textured fabric that can be layered with leather and satin or worn as a separate for a romantic and dressy look. While the rest of the looks this season are slouchy and boyfriend-inspired, velvet looks are fitted,voluminous, and feminine.

My favorite aspect of velvet is the richness of the colors...so pick deep purples, forest greens, and royal blues. I would love a shrunken 3/4 sleeve blazer or rich black leggings in velvet. I will report back when I find some great picks!

Related articles...

• new trends for fall and winter fashion 2009

denim leggings

I think some people refer to these as "jeggings" (like jeans + leggings)...but I used that term yesterday and was laughed at. So I will just call them denim leggings. Even though "jeggings" still sounds kind of cute...

I have been a little indecisive about my take on denim leggings, but I finally got a pair and I have to admit that I love them. I am so tired of the plain black leggings that I have been accumulating in every variation imaginable, so the denim is a fun new development. I love super skinny denim, so why not just wear denim leggings instead? They serve a similar purpose and they are a million times more comfortable. They go with everything and the best part is that I can wear them with oversized black sweaters and not feel like I'm dressed in black from head to toe.


I have the Hue Denim Leggings in Navy for $28. If you want to find your own, I recommend ankle length and matte finish with a thick fabric.

And remember my number one rule for wearing leggings: always wear a top that covers your backside!

Related articles...

• lna zipper leggings
• trends for fall and winter fashion 2009
• spring cleaning fashion tips: women
  

grey suede boots

I need a pair of grey suede boots for Fall! I love that they bring lightness to an outfit with lots of cold weather black and the grey fits with the softness of the suede material. The grey suede is a great pairing with all of the opaque and shiny black that is popular with the rocker look.

Here are some options from daniblack:

{daniblack Kimble boot in Grey Suede}

{daniblack Indie Boot in Grey Suede}

{daniblack Emmy Pumps in Black Leather/Grey Suede}

These aren't boots, but they show the way that black, grey suede, and metal work so well together. I just love these little spectator pumps!

Related articles:

• new trends for fall and winter fashion 2009
• daniblack shoes on sale
  

the perfect boyfriend jacket

I am so excited that I finally found my perfect long blazer for Fall! Most designers are referring to it as the "boyfriend jacket" but I like to call it a long blazer because it has tightly fitted arms and shoulders that are really meant for a woman's body. I think a real boyfriend jacket would have a roomier and bulkier fit like the boyfriend jeans.

My to-die-for long blazer is the Vince Lightweight Boyfriend Jacket. I tried it on at Nordstrom and it is fabulous...just what I have been searching for for six months now! I love that it has very slim shoulders and sleeves for a perfect feminine fit. It is long enough to cover your butt so you can wear it with leggings or super skinny pants. An added little touch is that is has 3/4 sleeves so it looks super cute layered over a long sleeved tee.

Unfortunately this fabulous find is $440, so I'll have to keep an eye on it and let you know when it goes on sale...

Related articles...

• long blazers for fall
• new trends for fall and winter fashion 2009

long blazers for fall

I absolutely love the long menswear-inspired blazer paired with super skinny jeans or leggings for fall. You can dress it up with pointy pumps or make it a little more comfortable with some jazzy lace-up flats.


All of these looks are available online at Urban Outfitters.

Related articles:

• flats for fall: lace-up jazz and loafers
• new trends for fall and winter fashion
  

snood is not just a video game

{Missoni Rib-Knit Wool-Blend Snood}

Last winter it was the cloche...this winter it is the snood. Sometimes I just get obsessed with fashion pieces that have interesting names, historic significance, and an instantly stylish appearance. As the recession continues, accessories layered with clothing basics are going to be hugely in style this winter...

The snood is a gorgeous neck warmer slash hood. It is thick and tubular (like the gators that I used to wear skiing in the 80's) but is long enough to be draped over the head like a hood or scrunched around the neck like a scarf. Burberry, Stella McCartney, and Missoni have produced some wool and cashmere snoods and I expect many designers at high and low price points to follow soon...

{Burberry Giant Check Snood}

You can read more about the Snood on my Splendicity article: Snood Is The Must-Have Accessory For Fall

Did I also mention that I was addicted to playing Snood on the computer in high school? I love that little "bloop" sound when you shoot an alien head out of a cannon.

Related articles:

• cloche
  

fall nail colors

{Image: NYMagazine}

I must have these nail colors for Fall!!

The Jin Soon for M.A.C. Cosmetics Collection is available now at M.A.C. counters and stores. Dark matte finish nails will definitely popular this Fall/Winter. My favorites are definitely the Beyond Jealous (dark blue/green at the far right) and Dry Martini (muddy gold at the bottom center).

These colors aren't available online (I just checked) so you'll have to get to a store to snag them. I hope they aren't at all sold out already...

Related posts...

• milk chocolate nails
• expression through nail color
  

i still love thread social in fall 2009

Oh lovely Thread Social, how exciting it is to see what you come up with each season!

Thread Social's Fall collection has silky ruffles and bows on minis and long-sleeved blouses paired with slim tuxedo jackets for a sophisticated and feminine look. A brilliant cold weather color palette: matte black with deep purples and blues and pops of bright yellow, turquoise, and peach.

{thread social silk wool folded ruffle tux jacket}


{thread social double bow knit top & color blocked ruffle skirt}


{thread social color blocked matte silk dress}


{thread social silk wool folded ruffle dress coat}


{thread social soft focus silk blouse & color blocked folded ruffle skirt}

Related articles...

• thread social sale in ny
• i love thread social
  

peep-toe booties for fall

I am loving the peep-toe ankle booties for Fall!

They are perfect with opaque tights, embellished leggings (plain black is just too plain for this season!), or pegleg ankle pants. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen's debut Elizabeth and James shoe collection has exactly what I'm looking for...

{elizabeth and james lacey bootie}


{elizabeth and james lola ruffle bootie}

{Calvin Klein Raine}

{Seychelles Charm}

{Vince Camuto Gordon Bootie}

Related articles...

• flats for fall: lace-up jazz and loafers
• new trends for fall and winter fashion 2009
• rocker bootie update
  

flats for fall: lace-up jazz and loafers

I am getting excited about Fall shoes!

I am obsessed with two types of flats this Fall: loafers and lace-up jazz flats. They are so adorable and will look great with super skinny ankle length pants or loose boyfriend jeans (personally I don't do the boyfriend jeans, but they are a popular casual look). I am really a heels girl so it takes a lot to get me excited about flats!

I have already started searching everywhere for the perfect pair of flat lace-ups. I mostly love the black patent leather that look just like the shoes I wore to jazz class in 7th grade, but there are a few colorful styles that are cute too. Here are a few to get you started...

{Steve Madden "Tuxxedo" Flat}


{Repetto Zizi Femme Flat Lace-Up}

{Christian Louboutin Fred Flat}



{d.co 730 Brazil Flat}


{Pour La Victoire Charlie Oxford Flats}

Please share if you find some cute jazz flats...especially if they are under $150! I am still searching...

new trends for fall and winter fashion 2009

Fall fashion is here!

About a month ago I made my quick picks for fall 2009. Right before those big fat September issues of fashion magazines come out, I would like to share my ideas about trends that I see coming this fall. There are only a few changes from my initial observations last month...

The looks this season will be very 80's rocker- and menswear-inspired. I think there will be lots of dark leather and metal details, which should be balanced with saturated hues, feminine accessories, and soft materials. Some of the menswear-inspired looks seem to be inspired by the late King of Pop, with flat lace-up oxford shoes and ankle-length cigarette pants. Here are the pieces that I will be watching for this season:

clothes...
{Haute Hippie Wool Boyfriend Jacket}
(7 For All Mankind Motorcycle Ponte Pants}

• long blazers - These will be an update on the 80's version with a slouchy feel, open front, and rolled-up sleeves. The blazers will be menswear-inspired, but will have a long skinny fit and tight shoulders. No shoulder pads please.
  
• ankle pegleg pants - Skinny stretchy trousers that push the line between leggings and pants will pair wonderfully with your slouchy blazer. Think skinny on bottom and voluminous on top! Pants with a hem that hits right at the ankle bone are a perfect length.
  
• vests - The thin slouchy vests worn this summer will transform into thick puffy vests for the fall. Vests will be in materials like leather and fur (fake I hope!). Layer a plush vest with soft cotton underlayers.
  
• gray - I love finding beauty in gray. I am interested in gray suede, gray boots, fluffy gray sweaters, gray leather, gray wool hats, gray distressed handbags.

shoes...
{Kelsi Dagger Rosabella Bootie}
{d.co. brazil flat}

• detailed booties - Take the idea of the open-toed rocker bootie and gladiator sandals into Fall and you get an intense heeled bootie with unique details. There will be lots of variations, but I like the styles with flashy embellishments or open toes.
• open toe pumps - You can wear your open toe and thick strap pumps in materials like suede and patent leather with thick opaque tights when the weather cools down. If you wear super warm tights then you should be able to wear them through the season.
• flat lace-ups - Oxfords and jazzy flats will be worn with short pants and no socks until it's just too cold to bare the ankles.

accessories...
{Fiona Paxton Sylvia Necklace}
{J.Crew Pointelle Ribbed Tights}

• bowler hats - Think of it as this year's cloche...cute and vintage-inspired. There will be even more cloche styles this year, but if you want to try something new then the Samantha Ronson bowler is it.
  
• layered statement jewelry - New and flashy accessories paired with basics will be a good way to create new outfits during a recession. Wear pieces with multiple strands that hang down below the chest.
  
• velvet - I want to see the softness and romanticism of velvet explored in new ways. It should be used minimally to bring a feminine balance to the harsher looks this season.
• patterned tights - Again, a great way to spice up your outfits without investing in a clothing piece is to try unique accessories like patterned or colored opaque tights.

outerwear...

• leather jackets - The rock 'n roll vibe will continue through the winter, so look for fitted leather jackets with unique designs and colors. Balance a leather jacket with softer materials like silk and layered cotton..
  

nordstrom sale finds...

I finally made it to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale yesterday. Most of the items that I had my eye on from the catalogue were all sold out already, but the salespeople said that they usually get more stock in after the first week of the sale.

Here are my favorites:

Joie Mesa Pintuck Top

The photo doesn't really do this blouse justice. It's a beautiful deep raspberry hue with the softest silk. It puffs a little at the shoulders and has a very flattering fit. Love it!

Linea Paolo Fae Flat

Soft, comfortable, and versatile flats.

Ruby & Bloom Gem Moccasin

These are so adorable! Very casual and comfortable mocs.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Posh Turnlock Jazz Bag

Soft definitely seemed to be my theme for the Nordstrom sale this year. Everything I loved had an amazing texture. This is a classic medium-sized Marc Jacobs leather bag for a great price.

daniblack shoes on sale

I am loving some of the shoes that are on sale right now at daniblack!

daniblack Rocket $92.50 (reg. $185)

These lace-up cut-out booties are perfect for the transition into Fall. I am definitely putting these in my list of favorite rocker booties. I love the natural color. It will go great with opaque black tights in a few months...

daniblack Addison $93 (reg. $155)

For summer this is a great pair of soft suede kitten wedge sandals. This electric blue is my favorite, but these also come in red, gold, or bronze. If you like a pop of color, but don't want to make a strong statement, a simple sandal like this is perfect.


daniblack Mimosa $87.50 (reg. $125)

If you want even more color, try this colorful satin flat. The bright color and large soft flower would pair with a simple outfit like cropped skinny jeans and simple tee.

nordie's anniversay sale starts tomorrow

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts tomorrow Friday, July 17 at 7am. This is definitely one of my all-time favorite sales. It is reliable (it happens at the end of every summer) and it is super organized!

If you are unfamiliar with the wonderfulness that is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, I will explain why it is so great. Unlike most sales and discount stores where it's just a jumble of whatever didn't get sold last season, the Anniversary sale is the opposite. The fashion geniuses that they are pick what will be in style for Fall and have a pre-sale on brand new items. They have a catalogue that debuts about a week before the sale that features all of the items that will be going on sale. It's always fun to start thinking about sweaters and boots when the sale comes along! The sale only lasts until Monday, August 3 and then the Fall items all go up to regular price so I usually try to make it in the first few days.

You can see this year's catalogue online here: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Catalogue

I was excited to see that the buyers agreed with me on many of my quick picks for Fall 2009. There are definitely lots of rocker-inspired looks with leather jackets and tall boots. Here are some of my favorites: