Casual Look of the Day

Sunnies + Athletic Top + Rolled Jeans + Chucks

This is what I feel like wearing for school pick-up during the Fall. I want to be comfortable when I hang out and chat on the playground after school. This would be the prefect casual weekend look as well. 

Rainy Day Chic

I'm preparing to build an arc. Seriously, this rain has to end!!  

Generally, I love rain and picture my day inside going something like this:

But really, it ends up as a jacked up version of this:

So if you are as desperate as I am to beat cabin fever and get outside, here is some outfit inspiration:

A striped t-shirt dress is always sharp with wellies.

 These two are obviously colder weather looks...

Hunter Boots link

Love the flowing summer dress with a long cardigan. Keep using those Summer dresses into Fall!

L.L. Bean Duck Boots, the perennial preppy favorite, are always a winner for any kind of wet weather. I still have mine from middle school (complete with my high school boyfriend's name written underneath). But I still love them and they are guaranteed for life!!.

Recently companies have come out with rain flats that are adorable. Plus they are a little cooler than wellies on balmy days. I found a pair of Hunters for $15. on clearance.  Keep a look out for these!

Hunter Romilly Flats, $75., $37.

Melissa Dilut Leopard Flats

$75.

For a more budget friendly option, check out these OKA-b Rain Flats, $45..

Look of the Day

Sunday Fun Day

Here is an easy weekend outfit for reading the paper or browsing the shops. I'll bet each one of you already have these elements in your closet.  Plus, this ensemble will translate well into Fall. 

Happy Weekend!

Paris Street Style

Last month I went to Paris with my husband and dear friends. If you are what you eat, this was pretty much me. Although you would need to stuff that croissant with lots of chocolate: je t'aime pain au chocolat.

I digress. Chocolate was was only one of my missions while I was there. When I visted after college, I was fascinated by the style of French women. It all seems so effortless and chic.  The same can be said this time around.  However, fashion has become so global.  You can google Paris street style and get hundreds of images instantly. The women (and men for that matter) wear a lot of close fitting, casual, neutrals. I felt that we fit right in. I only noticed a couple of stand out trends that might help us become slightly more fashion forward:

Low boots...

It was all about skinny pants or jeans and "booties." So many French women wear heeled booties but I loved the low heel or flats even more.  If you are tired of your tall boots, this is a great option and will put you ahead of the fashion curb. I only saw two pairs of tall boots in France!

Fur Jackets...

The chicest ladies we saw abroad had on these lovelies...many times with the bootie! It does not matter whether it is faux or real.  It's a look: wavy hair (see previous post) + fur jacket + skinny jeans + bootie = fabulous. 

Boots & DIY Jeans

Tall boots are in style and do not seem to be going anywhere.  Recently I have had a couple of clients with gorgeous boots and no skinny jeans or leggings. The problem: how to squeeze their boot or straight cut jeans into boots without them getting scrunched up at the knee.  The solution is all about the "tuck-and-roll" technique we learned in middle school (remember that with bucks?!?). You may have to try this a couple of times to get the tension right.

Here is a little borrowed DIY illustration on how to make your regular jeans work with boots:

*what is more budget friendly than making what you already have work?!?

She's Got Good Jeans

Recently I discussed dark jeans with a client. They are a must-have!! This task is easier with a large clothing budget.  But we can still look fabulous within our limits. Here is my jeans guide:

Everyone needs a pair of dark jeans.  They are the ultimate wardrobe essential.  Buy whatever style you prefer: straight leg, skinny, or trouser. They can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion.  Pair them with heels or tuck them into boots if you are not as fond of your ankles.  Even in the more conservative parts of our country, denim can be seen in Country Club grills (gasp!) for drinks and dinner.  Stacy London agrees, "dark denim is the blank slate from which you can create any style." They instantly convey a contemporary, youthful vibe.

Tall, 5'9 or over:

Old Navy Rock Star Jeans in Tall

J Crew Matchstick Jeans in Tall

Levi's

Curvy:

Gap jeans

Just Fab Signature Skinny

Lucky Brand

Boyish Hips:

J Crew Matchstick Jeans

Old Navy Rock Star

American Eagle Jegging

Plus, size 14 and above:

Chico's So Slimming

Lee

Levi's

Petite, 5'4 and under:

Gap Jeans in 'short' leg

Old Navy Rock Star

Guess Brittney Cut Petite

Nylon Magazine once printed "If you can't tell if your jeans look good in 30 seconds, you need a better pair." This wardrobe essential is worth the effort!

Pink Jeans

Runway to Real Life:

Isabel Marant Runway

My obsession with pink has found another venue: pink jeans and pants.  They're pastel and becoming.  They are available and stylish in almost any cut and length.  Chose the tailoring that suits your shape best.  What a fabulous transitional piece!  You might point out that we have barely entered winter, but these are fun and appropriate year-round.  They are definitely fashion forward.  Check out a few pink jeans looks:

cropped with a trench

with stripes

the classic white shirt

great with a belt and vest

Shop it:

 

10 Crosby 

$325., Barneys

J Brand Mid-rise skinny denim

$170., shopbop

The Look for Less:

Forever 21 Skinny Jean

$15.50

  J. Crew  Toothpick Jean  

                                                    $108.                                                 

Forever 21

Wide Leg Matelot

$26.50

Hello Winter

        

                                                                                                                                                                 




          Here is a laid-back inspiration outfit for the upcoming holiday weekend.  It's now officially winter, and all I can think about are the new bright Spring /Summer clothes from the runways.   But I must bloom where I am planted and embrace the season as it has really just begun. 


       As for achieving this look on the cheap...I imagine many of you have a striped shirt and some sort of brown shoe to pair with jeans.  The emerald green sweater is a fun punch of color; red would be just as pretty.  The outfit would have the same effect with black boots and a black coat.  Experiment and make it yours.  This is the perfect opportunity to shop your closet!