Florals For Fall

It's so easy to think of florals for spring and summer only. I usually want something light and airy and try and pair it with something a bit deep, darker or edgy (even if it's only a jean jacket) so that I can make it my own and not be too feminine. This deeper floral look is perfect for these fall months. In moody colors from the pantone color palette, they let you keep a feminine silhouette in print while still staying true to the color cues at play. I am a huge fan of the one at right with a leather jacket, those cognac colored oxfords or even a jean jacket and chuck taylors for the weekend.

(photo: courtesy of The Color Collective)

One To Watch: Isa Arfen

New designers seem to be a dime a dozen today with just about everyone trying their hand at launching a collection. But this new label that's come onto my radar seems like it just have staying power. With influences including fellow Brits Stella McCartney, a resume that's included time at Chloe, Louis Vuitton and Charlotte Olympia and designs that blend whimsy and sophistication all in one, she's quickly becoming one to watch. I love where she's from and where she's seemingly heading. Write her name down, you're guaranteed to hear it again.

(photos: courtesy of Isa Arfen)

The Perfect Almost Winter Look

As I take part in a major closet clean-up/overhaul, one of the most powerful questions I ask with each piece I get set to give away is whether or not it has staying power. This look is one part Winter and one part Summer, which means it's just my speed. The oversized grey sweater is what I gravitate toward when it gets cold and the slim white pants keep the lines clean and your silhouette streamlined. The heels give it a neutral touch. The sweater keeps it dressed-down while the heels dress it up all at once. It's the perfect combination that I'd be comfortable in all day--and night--long.

(photo: courtesy of Karla's Closet)

Launching ABC Home EComm

When I lived in NY, one of my favorite thing to do was get lost in the first floor of ABC Home & Carpet that was right around the corner from my apartment. The objets and designs and jewelry were never quite what I would buy for myself but they always inspired me and I loved their textured, ethnic feel. Now the famed multi-story home shopping destination has launched ecommerce so I can shop my favorite wares even though I've moved to the other coast. Peruse and get inspired. Their rugs are what they're known for and their print pillows are a quick and easy way to incorporate their "look" into your home.

(photo: courtesy of ABC Home)

Matching Your Shoes To Your Bag

It's an age old conundrum....Should I match my shoes to my bag? I am pretty sure my grandmother would say yes, but nowadays it's so chic to mix prints and go with colors that don't necessarily mesh together. So what's a girl to do. I think if you keep the rest of the look edgy enough and maybe make the two matching pieces different tones or different shades of the same color it can work, as evidenced here. I think you should wear your matching accessories either against neutrals like black or dark grey or something like an allover print so that it doesn't stand out too much. Happy matching.

(photo: courtesy of Atlantis Home)

Updated Sweatshirt Dressing

Sometimes come Fall, there's nothing you want to put on more than a fluffy, cozy sweatshirt. But how to make the unstructured silhouette work when you've got to dress it up for day--and work? This outfit does the trick. The embellishments on the shoulder of the sweater make it more than ordinary and skinny jeans counteract the unstructured shape of the sweatshirt. Paired with a totally jazzy furry jacket and statement accessories for a night out, you'd never know you were wearing something so comfortable. Subversive dressing at its best.

(photo: courtesy of Le Catch)

Closet Organization

It's this time of year that I realize just how much I have, just how small my closet really is, and just how much room a folded sweater takes up. Because I'm terrified of moths, I like folding my sweaters into protective boxes with cedar blocks, but I can never seem to fit everything in--nor have I mastered the art of the fold. This picture reminds me of what my closet should look like if I actually used that sweater storage hanging device for what it's intended for, instead of shoes. A gradient stack, with sweaters aligned by thickness and then by color would be the perfect solution to my knit conundrums.

(photo: courtesy of The Coveteur)

#BackToSchouler

If you have to go back to school, you might as well look good doing it. I remember getting the coolest backpack was one of the most important ingredients in the back to school look and this one from Proenza Schouler elevates that game to the next level. One part library and twenty parts luxe, this can be worn anywhere in between but with a fun, childlike flare. What better way to keep those dressed up designs and structured silhouettes look young in spirit?

(photo: courtesy of Proenza Schouler)

Spotlight On: New Jewelry Talent

The CFDA is a pretty cool thing. They are an organization dedicated to fostering talent among the next generation. This week they're showcasing the new wave of jewelry designers in NY and this picture is meant to spotlight just a little bit of the talent that's out there, and there is a whole lot there that is worth getting excited about. From fine craftsmanship to new ways of manipulating metals to exciting ways to wear accessories (which by the way, I seemingly need a refresher in), these are the talents that you should know because they're going to be big. Names to note: Mimi So, Simon Alcantara, Lulu Frost and Mish.

(photo: courtesy of Style.com)

The Perfect Skirt Shape

No matter who you are, the only skirt shape that I think really works is A-Line. Tight fitted skirts are so aggressive it makes me uncomfortable and those cocoon skirts that I got really into a few years back are nothing but unflattering (and yes, I have a pile staring at me in my closet). But looking at the shape of this quilted leather number and how could it be anything but flattering? The way the skirt flares just so makes your legs look smaller than they might actually be and the quilted leather adds texture without adding bulk. Plus, from Topshop, it's at the right price!

(photo: courtesy of Topshop)

Talking Shop: Betty & Isaac

Lena Dunham has taken on a different kind of project. She's working on a biopic of sorts on the iconic Bergdorf Goodman personal shopper Betty Halbreich, who is 85. Here's a clip of the legend (just think of what she's seen) discussing the merits of heel height with Isaac Mizrahi. Enough said.

Street Style Inspiration of the Day

I just recently rebought a pair of Converse Chuck Taylors after a few years out of the game and I can say without hesitation that it's the best purchase I've made in a long time. But reintroducing sneakers back into my look, when all I've generally opted for have been flats, has taken some getting used to. This street style snap gave me inspiration to cuff my jeans, wear a cute graphic tee and pair a boyfriend blazer over the entire look to pull it all together. The sneakers don't feel dressed down anymore, but rather just give it a new, preppy feel.

(photo: courtesy of Le Fashion)

Chic At Every Age

Let this woman show you how. We're decades apart, but I covet her style. Go figure. Watch to get inspired.

(video: courtesy of StyleLikeU)

New For Nails

Someone kindly pointed out to me over the weekend that a bare nail just doesn't work on me. I need a lustrous coat of polish to look polished myself--unfortunately it's just the way it works. So while I'm pondering my next manicure move (I've been partial to barely-there pinks for a bit), I came across this Chanel explosion of color that has just about every Fall-ready shade imaginable. A candy apple red is so big, so are opalescent versions of most of the shades you've been wearing. Metallics are again huge, and so is a medium-bodied red and a deeper, darker vampy which put Chanel polishes on the map.

(photo: courtesy of @hannahbronfman)

The Best In The West

As I get ready to head to Santa Fe in a few short weeks, I'm counting all of the different ways that sterling and different iterations of turquoise can be worn. I'm eager to stock up on a few special pieces that I'll have forever and have been noticing that more and more jewelry designers (costume and fine) are introducing sterling and "western" motifs into their collections too. Here, the sisters Dannijo bring a tough touch to their blinged out cuff that would otherwise be all glitz and glamour. It's the perfect contrast and key piece for any dressed up--or dressed down--look.

(photo: courtesy of Marie Claire)

Street Style: Spotted at #PFW

Look closely at the editor on the right. I love the way she's opted for an entirely new way to wear her scarf. Instead of haphazardly looped around her neck or even double knotted in an infinity look, it's strategically placed as an outfit accent. Criss-crossed across her chest, the look is fastened with a belt, mimicking one of Spring '14s most popular necklines. Instead of throwing a scarf on this season, take some time to make it look strategic like it's done here.

(photo: courtesy of Style.com)

Simple Trick: The Knotted Necklace

How many times have you reached into your jewelry box or small jewelry bag only to have every single one of your favorite chains tangled into a total snarl. This simple trick from Sous Style may just do the trick with a quick way to untangle even the most prickly of knots. Put a piece of small wax paper down and a few drops of baby oil. Place the tangled heap on top and use a few needle-like sticks to begin untangling. The oil will slick the pieces apart much quicker than your fingertips alone.

(photo: courtesy of Sous Style)

Look Better in a Blazer

There's something about Fall that seems to necessitate a wool blazer. Warm and wooly, it's the perfect antidote to the falling temperatures. I've become partial to schoolboy cuts with contrasting buttons (gold are my favorite). With a big of a preppy fit, elbow patches and contrasting collars if you're lucky, the schoolboy style is one that will forever be in fashion. Stock your closet for Fall with this indispensable addition that adds the perfect polish to any look.

(photo: courtesy of J. Crew)