Hey Hey Grey!

The style staple that can pull your whole ensemble together and create that polished (pun unintended) put together look is your nail polish. This winter, designers and models everywhere have been spotted donning gray nails. It’s subtle, yet undoubtedly stylish. And the best part is it matches everything! And I know gray can seem a little blasé at first but since I’ve tried it I’ve been hooked! I recommend Sally Hansen X-treme Hard Wear in Wet Cement (available at your local Wal Mart). J

Twinkle Twinkle Little Mini Skirt

Simply THE MUST HAVE for this season. Sequins have reappeared on the runways (Miu Miu, Lanvin, 3.1 Phillip Lim, etc.) this season proving yet again that the trend toward sartorial bling is here to stay, recession or not. And I know what you’re thinking, “Sequins? Really? That is so 2^nd grade birthday party.” Scoff not sweet child, these aren’t your little sisters sequins. As Lanvin proved on their Paris runway sequins CAN be classy and even *gasp* grown up (and they make a great day-to-night ensemble)!

Consider wearing the sequins as- don’t knock it till you try it and see some of these breath-taking styles the designers have been cranking out- a mini skirt, shirt, or even a blazer. Not paired together of course you don’t want to look too Liberace-esque. Tone down the glitz of it all by pairing it with solid colors, let the sequins be the statement piece of your outfit- because trust me sequins are loud enough to speak for themselves. And if you want to dress up the sequin skirt a little for a night on the town you can pair it with a fur vest or a chunky knit sweater (yet another definite must have for winter & fall) and some strappy heels. For the blazer or shirt I recommend wearing it with solid colored tapered trousers and a subtle neutral heel. And last, but certainly not least, remember: always wear the out fit; never let the outfit wear you. Make it your own, and wear it with confidence, sequins and fur are definitely not for the faint of heart.

FUR is the Word.

        One of the biggest trends you’ll see popping up this winter is fur. It’s timelessly chic appeal is always hot for this time of year. It seems that no matter how many times animal-activists try to convince us (loyal fashionistas that we are) that it’s not right to wear fur, it keeps coming back, and this time it’s hotter than ever. It’s graced the runways of Dolce & Gabanna, Emilio Pucci, Giambatista Valli, and countless others.

   The best, most subtle way to wear fur without looking too over-the-top-Cruela-De-Vil is by simply layering it (in the form of a fitted vest) over a long sleeved shirt playfully tucked into a flirty skirt topped off with your favorite pair of boots (another hot trend for fall & winter!). This look says sophisticated and classy without being gaudy.

Now a vest isn't the only form of wearable fur, although- in my opinion- it's the simplest and easiest to pull off. The vest can be simply layered over practically any style of outfit for an extra dose of warmth. Have fun with it :) & don't be scared to experiment with it.