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.

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.

Holiday Party Looks

Ruffles- Valentino

Here are ten looks from the fall 09 runway shows that are extremely gorgeous and sophisticated for the holidays. If you love to dress up take a cue from one of these designers who integrate elegance and glamour into their designs. This is the most perfect time of year to dress to the nines. I'm curious, what are some of your holiday looks this year?

photos via style.com

Brights- Oscar de la Renta

Volume- Vera Wang

Embellishments- Vera Wang

Sheer- Lanvin

Tulle- Erin Fetherson

One shoulder- Lanvin

Lace- Christian Lacroix

Velvet- Sonia Rykiel

Lingerie- Dolce & Gabbana

Ikat from J.Crew

Pattern is a big trend for this fall and winter, a great way to break out of the monochromes of blacks and grays and browns. This Ikat pattern is sensational. It combines the "It" looks of Ikat, pattern, orange, and aubergine all in one great new piece for your wardrobe. All from J.Crew, these would be perfect from now through the holidays and all through the winter season. I especially like the coat above with its Ikat design of reds, oranges, and aubergine, in silk and mohair.

Gloves In the Spotlight

Gloves are a big trend this fall/winter season. I love gloves-these are some from my collection. They include turquoise, hot pink, gold, trims of patent, mink, flowers, a ring, ruching, ombre, and two-tone. Click on the picture to enlarge. When you are shopping for a new pair, have fun with them. The hot trends in gloves include metallics-especially gold, opera length, color, and embellishment. The stores are filled with wonderful choices. You won't believe how a great pair of gloves can dress up an outfit.

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)