Ten Trends for Fall 2008 August 6, 2008

It seems that each season there are a gajillion new trends. For fall 2008 I’ve chosen ten of the ones that I like best, so start stocking up! (And remember that although I love them, these are just examples of the trend I’m recommending.)

1. The ‘Statement’ necklace; store your dainty chains for another season.
2. Chunky knits. Even though I’m in SoCal, I’m usually able to eek out a few days in January for these.
3. Tall, flat boots. Motorcycle boots are also hot, so I’ve chosen a style that combines the looks.
4. Oversized bags - STILL. I happen to love big bags since I can throw all the kid’s stuff in with mine.
5. Stilettos! The higher the better and combined with a platform, they’re a sexy replacement for your summer wedges.
6. Plaid. I’m not really a huge fan but hey - all things in moderation.
7. Lace and it’s EVERYWHERE; dresses, pants, shoes, bags, tights…lace accessories are an easy and inexpensive way to update your look.
8. Bow tie blouses, but choose carefully - you want to avoid looking like a librarian.
9. Full, calf length skirts can be cozy and chic with some bold tights, not to mention the perfect venue for your new boots!
10. Camel, black and berry tones (Especially berry at night - go for bright!)

(Clockwise form top; Chloe ‘Poppy’ Necklace, Burberry ‘Eura’ Metallic Cardigan, Miu Miu Buckle Biker Boots, Bottega Veneta Full Pleated Skirt, Chloe ‘Pearl’ Leather Shoulder Bag, YSL Tribute T-Strap Sandals, Graeme Black Wool Flannel Dress, Temperly London Crochet Detail Blouse) All items are available at net-a-porter.com except sandals which you can find at barneys.com.

You Asked! ‘Flutter’ Sleeve Eyelet Tunic July 2, 2008

Many of you have been asking about ‘flutter’ sleeve tops. I came across this one and think it’s lovely. I’m especially drawn to the super sunny color (has a retro 70’s feel) because summer isn’t over yet! Ashley Eyelet Tunic $19.80 at forever21.com

Cheap Boho Chic May 21, 2008

Loving this dress (or top depending upon how tall you are) and for eighty-eight bucks? Hurry! (bloomingdales.com)

http://tinyurl.com/4nua2j

Yet Another Summer Outfit for Under $100 May 15, 2008

I was dropping Z off at school last week, when I bumped into a friend of mine wearing these jeans. Being that she is a very fashionable friend (used to be in the business) I was pleasantly surprised when I asked her where she got them. They were from Forever 21! (They looked like J Brand) They’re a great wash, and fit her well. (And no - she isn’t 6 feet tall; ‘Catelyn’ Wide Leg Jeans $27.80) http://tinyurl.com/55qck4 I’ve teamed them up with this pretty cotton top that I saw (and touched - yes, it’s actually cotton) there a few days ago. (Embroidered Woven Tunic in Rust $22.80) http://tinyurl.com/4r6ssb I also bought these suede and leather ‘Athena’ sandals the same day at Urban Outfitters for $48. I got them in Mauve, but like the Teal ones better with this outfit. http://tinyurl.com/45234m For forty-eight bucks? I just might get the Teal ones too! LASM

More Summer Dresses I Love… May 14, 2008

…here are a few reasonably priced summer picks for those of you who are still wondering with what to stock your summer wardrobe. All three are available at Bloomingdales for under $100. I adore the Aqua Lace Dress for $88 (pictured) by itself http://tinyurl.com/6fhrof The other two dresses could also work for evening cocktails with pants. (Unless of course you have great legs - I do not, which is why I am most likely recommending them as tops) The Echo Floral Babydoll at $68 http://tinyurl.com/5ryeoy would look perfect over a pair of slim, white jeans. It also comes in Geranium and Green, which are my faves. Ikat and Batik prints are very hot this season. The Aqua One Shoulder Batik Print Dress for $78 http://tinyurl.com/6r228r is beautiful on it’s own, or teamed up with black, linen trousers. Whichever you choose, you’ll look chic, summer-y and current!

LASM

Summer Outfits for under $100 April 27, 2008

In response to the many stay at home moms (and otherwise) who have contacted me about options to sweats, yoga pants and sneakers, I’ve put together a cute and comfy yet REASONABLY priced summer outfit for under a hundred bucks. Versatile enough to wear to the park or a daytime lunch with friends (because everyone knows that’s all us stay at home moms do) I’ve chosen fashionable yet classic pieces that won’t be off the radar anytime soon. Hang up your sweats and start feeling cute because there’s more to come! LASM (Pictured from L to R; Roxy’s ‘Life’s a Beach’ wide leg pants in red $48.50 at Nordstrom.com, Old Navy white tie shoulder tank $12.50 online, braided metallic sandal in silver $16.80 at forever21.com)

5′11″ and 146 lbs (Don’t we all wish…) April 25, 2008

With the overwhelming response to my earlier 5′2″, 123 lbs post, I immediately contacted my dear friend V who happens to have the above measurements (I know, right?) for a ‘tall girls’ version. Even though we all wish that we could be a gorgeous string bean, I have over the years heard V lament about clothing and shoe choices for women of her stature. Being that she is also an amazing stylist, I dialed her up to get the scoop.

The recommended jeans for fit AND long inseam are Goldsign (truejeans.com) They’re her number one pick. Albeit pricey, a good staple investment. Designsbystephene.com also has an extensive long inseam collection. Being tall and thin if the illusion of curves is what you crave, then Levi’s Capital E ‘Swank’ jeans (levis.com) are a great bet. At $158 they aren’t cheap, but who can really put a price on curves? (I’ll sell you mine - CHEAP) V eschews skinny jeans for boot cut as it creates a more shapely silhouette. For a bit less money, GAP and Banana Republic also carry long lengths.

In the tops department, some great longer cut options are Free People (Nordstrom.com) GAP and Scrapbook’s ‘Benatar’ halter pictured here in ‘Atlantis’ ($48 at revolveclothing.com) These cuts create shape and fit a longer torso better than shorter versions. If you also have broad shoulders, a V neck tee is the most flattering way to go. V says it makes her feel much more feminine to ‘have some skin showing.’ One of her fave tricks? To take a crew neck and cut straight down the center about six inches instantly creating a pretty little ‘collar’ effect. (This trick works for everyone BTW, not just tall girls!)

In addition to her Glamazon bod, V also has a size eleven shoe. It’s been many a shopping trip that she’s come up empty handed (or footed) since retail stores only order a few pairs of very large (and very small) sizes. BCBG carries a size ten that fits like an eleven. She’s also had great luck on line at Zappos and Nordstrom (you could also try my fave, Endless.com) While heels are often too high and in flats she feels like ‘the tall girl who has to wear flats,’ V feels most comfortable in around a 1″ heel. It’s of course whatever you personally feel best in. Good luck in all your tall girl shopping endeavors. Thanks V!

LASM