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.

The New Fall Boots

With fall fast approaching I've decided I should do a few posts over my new current obsession: shoes! The ever-classic fall boot is back but this time there's more than enough styles to choose from (not that there could ever be too many), with looks that range from chic sophisticate to show-stopping rebel. And trust me you won't be able to resist some of these! They just punctuate any look so perfectly. :)

Heeled Booties are big right now. This particular boot style (above- left: BCBG Max Azria shearling-trim leather "maeve" $325 right: Diane Von Furstenberg nubuck "jameson" $395 ) is termed "foldover lace-up". It also kind of goes with the hunting inspired look of this seasons accessories. It's like the rugged definition of slick, they're just all personality. And the lug soles are definently a great sporty detail. Try them out with some rugged jeans and an oversized sweater or some form of flannel for a mountaineer-chic appeal. :)

The strappy heel is a softer more wearable take on rocker. It's got all the rebellious flare of straps and buckles with a more sophisticated heel. (above left: suede and distressed leather "tatum" booties, $225, Michael Michael Kors. right: leather "nevin" $425, Cynthia Vincent). These boots go great with jeans or even a mini dress or some leggings and an oversized shirt. I'm diggin the versatility and I love the look on the top left, kuddos Lucky Mag! You guys always have the best pics! Ooo I especially adore those Michael Kors shoes (top left) I know from experience that Michael Kors shoes aren't only adorable but comfortable too! So these are a definite must-have for me.

(top left: Miss Sixty, $170, nordstrom.com (top right: Boutique 9, $160, ninewest.com)

Paper bag booties are positively hott for fall- as apparent on the runways. They have this defininite cold weather appeal that's just so cute and charming. And plus they look great with layers or with jeans tucked into them.

The pointy toe is, in my opinion, more of an office-friendly shoe. It would also make for an easy day-to-night transition since they're so cute and surprisingly comfortable. And I love the instant dressy appeal they can give to almost any outfit. You can pair them with a dresses, jeans, shorts, skirts or even a more work friendly outfit like above (top left). They basically compliment any outfit. (above left: suede "janae" booties, $129, Lauren, By Ralph Lauren. right: Suede "calico",$140, Banana Republic). I myself own a pair and am happy to report that they provide you with an instant runway-pretty feel without the scary height of a stiletto.

On the left is the flat suede boot look and on the right we have the brogue lace up  boot. Both very old fashioned (ish) and sort of rugged mountain manish. I think the suede flats would go better with a more girly urban outfitter retro look whereas the brogue lace ups would look better with like leggings or tan skinnies and some form of flannel. The brogue lace ups just have that I-just-came-back-from-a-hike feel that so many designers are going for this season. (above left: faux-suede "nixon", $69, Chinese Laundry. above right: leather "randsom" lace-up boots $275, Charles David).

Motorcycle boots are the more rebellious rocker take on this seasons fall boot. They look best with skinny jeans or leggings tucked into them or with a skirt and leggings. Another great piece to wear with motorcycle boots would be a leather jacket- so James Dean!

 

(above left: belted leather "greenwich" boots $395, Michael Kors. Right: Marc Jacobs stacked heel boot $1290)

( above top: tumbled leather "sahara", $975, Ralph Lauren)

 

(right: Brian Atwood chain-back over-the-knee boot, $2,900, Neiman Marcus)

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I've compiled the 3 tall boot looks above: stacked heel, riding boot, & over the knee. These boots are great for the fast approaching winter & are comfortable and chic while still conveying warmth. They all look great with jeans tucked into them or alone with a dress or peeking out from under a trench. I especially love how the above celebrities have incorporated the over-the-knee boot. Especially Hillary Duff & Hayden Panettierre's looks. So cute!

 

(above left: buckled suede "lolo" wedges, $550, avrilgau.com. above left: suede "waffer", $200, Boutique 9, kokopalenki.com)

(above right: faux-shearling lined leather "howser", $190, Miz Mooz, infinityshoes.com)

(above: "flannery" desert boots, $298, jcrew.com)

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The above 3 styles are the new styles of chunky ankle boots. Starting from the top we have the: wedge, clog, and the heeled desert boot. I love the wedge personally because I know how comfortable wedges are. They're still chic and give you height but without worrying that you're going to fall. And the best part is that wedges look great with jeans, dresses, skirts, shorts, and basically anything else you can think of. Clogs also look great with skirts or fitted trousers. And though most people (myself included) just picture wooden swedish shoes when they hear clogs, they're wrong! Clogs can actually be very stylish. Shocking, I know. But seriously, check out sterlingstyle.blogspot.com for more tips on clogs. She seems to be an expert in the "how to wear clogs" department. And last, but not least, we have the heeled desert boot. I think that these look awesome with fitted trousers that fall just above the ankle for a little glimpse of skin. Also, since all 3 of these styles have a chunky heel they'll be comfortable to walk in too. I know there's a lot to choose from but pick your favorites and try out these new (and incredibly numerous) styles of boots and see what you think. Fall, here we come! :)

The High Bun

As a sophisticated pulled together high-bun emerges back onto the scene, celebrites and fashionistas alike jump on the oppurtunity to show off their inner posh.

Thankfully, the high-bun can work with casual or dressy looks and it's really quick to do and looks like a million bucks for 5 min. worth of prep time. First, start with a high ponytail (keeping in mind that however high the pony tail is, is how high the bun will be) then twist the ponytail and wrap it around the base of the scrunchie then secure with a few bobby pins and spray with hairspray for maximum hold. And viola! A chic completely practical updo for your stylish pleasure.

Just remember that you don't want to keep the look too tight or polished or you'll end up looking like a figure skater. A few misplaced imperfect pieces sticking out here & there are what make it so darn cute :) like a little work of art. Take that Van Gogh!

The Bold Lip

Confidence, thy name is: the bold lip. This look takes some serious ego to pull off, and it seems to be one of the hottest make up trends this season (though the red lip seems to be a style staple dating decades back). Although the red lip is the most popular of the bold lip looks, people with auburn hair (above) like me might want to go with a rich plum hued substitute instead since red can clash with warm hair tones.

I like the edited I-totally-meant-to-put-this-on look that red lipstick has, it's got a very old-Hollywood-glamour charm to it. But, when incorporating the look you'll definently want to have the rest of your face really neutral. Keep the eyeshadow extremely minimal and natural barely-there looking. If you wear heavy eye make up with the bold lip stick you'll look too over done & sloppy. You can add a little mascara for good measure, but mostly the red lipstick is loud enough to pull the look together on its' own. It also takes time and patience to pick the right shade of red, there are ones with blue undertones or yellow undertones and it may take awhile to find the shade that's right for you. So don't rush it, and take your time. You can ask for samples at your beauty counter to gaurentee it's the perfect tint. Because after you find that perfect shade you'll be able to wear it with all the confidence in the world knowing it makes you look amazingly glamorous (*sigh* oh, Gwen Stefani, how we envy you), and without worrying if it's too noticeable.

 The fuschia/ hot pink lip (as my personal favorite) is a more refined yet still out loud take on the "red lip". It's more ideal for "bold lip beginers". I like how it portrays a certain girlyness to it, how it's so look-at-me loud and out there yet somewhat soft and hyper-feminine. Definently a trend to try out! But let me warn, it's not for the timid or faint of heart... that's for sure.

Classic Pieces

   These moodily feminine pieces- so slouchily perfect on Priscilla Presley- are superbly elegant. I adore the elegantly antiqued yet up-to-date appeal they seem to be radiating. It's so polished & put together, giving retro-chic a whole new meaning.

 

This look seems kind of back-in-time-ish but still completely modern. Look for colors that compliment eachother like these when shopping for this look. Note that all the colors are really soft and there aren't any neon brights or standoutish shades. For the soft feminine vibe of these outfits neutral & soft hues are a must.

Think: layers. You can pair an interestingly zany legging pattern with a girly heel and vintage inspired flowy pieces for that head-to-toe classic trendyness. These brilliantly feminine and romanticly stunning pieces have a sort of intricate retro girly-ness with chic undertones. Always keep it playful & girly when experimenting with this look. Loose waves or an unkempt side braid could be a great way to help compliment this style. Some stores that sell clothes of this retro indie variety are:

modcloth.com, lavintage.com, shophallelu.com, threadsence.com, & anthrpologie.com just to name a few. happy shopping :)