Looking Forward to Fall

As the dog days of summer descend upon DC, I find myself looking forward to the cooler days and warmer colors of fall, like this lizard embossed Liberty Street Helena handbag.

Studio Mona Coat

I love this Studio Mona Coat from Kate Spade. With its striped wool, swing shape, shawl collar, and oversized bow, it is the perfect fall coat.

The Classic Pump for Fall

I am so happy that the classic black stiletto pump is a big trend for this fall. It is always a perfect choice-elegant, sexy, and ladylike.

Fall 2010 Trend-The Fifties

(Photos courtesy of style.com)

Metallics for Fall

I am an avid fan of metallics and am thrilled that it is a big look for this fall. Here is a great investment piece that is timeless-Kate Spade's Mercury Nicole Jacket. Wear it over skinny jeans for shopping or over a black sheath for the office or dinner. This is elegant and effortless dressing at its best.

Gold in My Closet

With gold a big trend this fall, I decided I should go shopping in my own closet to see what I could find. Guess what? I struck gold! Pictured above are Moschino flats, a Chanel pin, leather gloves, and a vintage cocktail hat. Pictured below are a Lela Rose coat, a vintage sequined coat, a Vera Wang dress, a Vera Wang top, an Aeve strapless dress with a huge bow, and my very first Phillip Lim purchase. I think gold is incredibly flattering with most complexions and hair colors and is great year round-don't just save it for the holidays!

Kate Spade Tights

I think part of the success of the fall Kate Spade ad campaign is the wonderful use of colorful tights. It keeps the outfits young, fresh, playful, and whimsical. My daughter Kate who is also my co-blogger and a fashion stylist was remarking that the styling of this campaign is allowing Kate Spade to tap into a younger demographic who had not worn the label before. The good news is that these tights are now being offered by Kate Spade. Aren't they fun?

Muffs

The fabulous Chanel muff below reminded me of the fact that you rarely see a woman wearing one and that I have two gorgeous vintage muffs in my closet. I have worn muffs since I was a little girl and my mother and I had matching ones. The black one above was hers. The fabulous huge bow muff is a vintage find from eBay. It is such a glamorous and classic look. I even found a 1907 New York Times article that Parisienne women at that time were using large muffs to stow their tiny dogs. To carry your toy dog in warmth and style, or to add a sophisticated and elegant look to your fall/winter wardrobe, be on a lookout for your own muff. You will easily find wonderful ones on eBay and in vintage stores and there are some great faux versions out there too.

(Photos courtesy of style.com)

I've Struck Gold

From Grace Kelly in To Catch a Thief, to Chanel's Fall 2009 Runway, gold is a timeless look. A fabulous way to update your fall wardrobe is by adding a great gold accessory. Not just jewelry, but gold gloves, shoes, boots, or tights are an elegant, modern, and unexpected touch that will jazz up any outfit. Look at these runway pictures and see how outfits of black, white, red, brown, or gray all gain with a little Midas touch. I already have a beautiful pair of gold Calvin Klein stilettos, but I'm on the lookout for a great pair of over the elbow gold gloves and a pair of gold tights. eBay has vintage gold lame gloves that might be fun. I am told that chic Parisiennes are all sporting long gold lame gloves this season.

(Runway photos courtesy of style.com)